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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, 



AND 



EXTRACTS FROM THE 



Journals, and other Writings* 



OF THE LATE 



JOSEPH ^ROSWELL; 

WHO, FOR MORE THAN FORTY YEARS, WAS AN 
ITINERANT PREACHER IN THE NEW ENG- 
LAND STATES ; AND WHO DIED AT 
BRIDGEWATER, (MASS.) MAY, 1799, . 
IN THE 88th YEAR OF HIS AGE. 



BY ONE, 

WHO IS DESIROUS THAT, BEING DEAD, HE YET MAY STEAK, 

I was no prophet; neither was I a prophet's son : And the Lord took me, and 
said unto me, go, piophe.sy unto my people Israel Amos, 

Bur God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise 5 
and God hatl\ chosen the weak things of the world, to confound the things which 
are mighty ; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath 
God cho t'n ; yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are— • 
that no flesh should gloryin his presence Apostle Paul. 

" I have taken the gospel for my improvement, and the Lord of hosts for my 
inheritance." 



BOSTON: 

PRINTED AND SOLD BY LINCOLN C^ EDMANDS, 

No. 53, Cornhill. 
1809. 

^2> 



lL PREFACE. 

fc> ==55 

IN compliance with the wishes of several friends of the late 

-^ Joseph Croswell, and with the hope that they will be useful, the 

^"Compiler of the following" sketches and extracts undertook the 

* compilation. In the execution he allowed himself to make 

some verbal, and a few other alterations ; but has preserved the 

general character of the original manuscripts, so far as he has 

made extractions from them. 

He had contemplated a much larger work for publication, but 
was deterred from the undertaking from apprehension that the 
sale might not meet the expense of printing, and other necessary 
expenses. The object, however, is not wholly abandoned. 
Should this publication be saleable, and meet the patronage of 
the religious public, the Compiler may be induced to make a 
larger and more methodical selection for the press, from the au- 
thor's manuscripts. 

In making these selections the writer was possessed of but a 
small portion of Mr. Crosweil's manuscript papers, which, gener- 
ally, consist of loose and separate pieces. This circumstance 
rendered it difficult to preserve in the sketches, &c. now pub- 
lished, much connexion or method. Nor was this the leading 
object of the writer ; but to exhibit general characteristic trait* 
of the author, and his talents for composition, with the hope of 
being, in some measure, instrumental of promoting the cause of 
evangelical truth and experimental religion. 

The Compiler of this little work is not insensible of many de- 
fects in the execution ; nor does he bring it before the public 
with the expectation that it will endure the test of rigid criticism, 
either as a production of taste or correct theological speculation. 
Nor does he expect that it will be relished by the mere metaphysi- 
cian, the man of science, the frigid rational christian, the zeal- 
ous partizan, the valorous champion for modern Catholicism, 
the lover of novels, or the friend of dissipation and licentious* 
ness ; but he does confidently expect, that to every humble, feel- 
ing and experimental christian, into whose hands it may fall, 
it will prove a repast grateful to his taste and nourishing to his 
soul. To christians of this description it is humbly dedicated, 
and to their patronage recommended, with fervent desire and 
prayer to God that it may go forth accompanied with his bless, 
ing, to the furtherance of that religion, which is pure and unde* 
filed, without partiality and without hypocrisy, 

Massachusetts) Jan. 1809* 



SKETCHES 

OF THE 

LIFE OF JOSEPH CROSWELL. 



ONE of the mod ufeful and interefting branches of 
inftru&ion is the hiftory of man. But this fpecies of hif- 
tory, while it has delighted to honour the man of fcience, 
the (tatefman, and the warrior, has but feidom recorded 
the names of thofe, who have been engaged in the lefs 
confpicuous, although more ufeful departments of life. 
While the hiftorian, the orator and the poet have exerted 
their energies in recording, proclaiming and celebrating 
the exploits of their heroes, to immortalize their names ; 
how often has it been the cafe, that men of real worth, 
eminent as chriftians and diftinguifhed for their ufeful- 
nefs in the caufe of Chrift, have been fuflered to fink into 
the grave of forgerfulnefs ; and efpeciaily, when their 
^ftimable qualities and faithful fervices have been unac- 
companied with power and the influence of literary ac- 
fjuifitions ? Unreasonable partiality ! injurious difcrimi- 
nation ! The righteous ought furely to be retained in 
remembrance, and their works, while they fleep in dull, 
ihould praife them '* in the gates/' 

Under thefe impreffions, and by defire of others, the 
writer will aitempt to preferve from oblivion the charac- 
ter of a man, who for many years was an indefatigable, 
and, it is believed, a confcientious and ufeful labourer 
in the vineyard of Chrift. 

Joseph Croswell was born March 12, O. S. 17 12, at 
Charleftown, in Maffachufetts, His grandfather, Thom- 
as CrofwelL came from StaiFordfhire in England, on ac- 
count of the tumultuous Mate of affairs in that country, 
about the time of Cromwell's ufurpation of the fupreme 
power. He fettled in Charleftown, where he married 
Prifcilla Upharn, a woman of eminent piety, by whom 
fee had one fori and feven daughters. By induflry and 
A 2 



O SKETCHES OF THE 

rah it manage merit ia agricultural and mercantile pur- 
fuits, he acquired a handfome eftate, maintaining a fair 
and reputable character. He died in Charleftown, but 
in what year, or at what age, the writer has not been abk 
to afcertain. 

Jofeph Crofwell, father of the fubjecl of thefe memoirs, 
married Abigail, daughter of Andrew Stimpfon of 
Charleftown, by whom he had five fons, Thomas, An- 
drew, Caleb, Benjamin and Jofeph. Andrew received a 
public education at Harvard Univerfky, and was fettled 
in the miniftry over one of the religious focieties in Bol- 
ton, where he died. Caleb died while a member of the 
Univerfity, at Cambridge. Thomas and Benjamin were 
mechanics. The one fettled and died in South-Caroli- 
na, and the other in the ftate of Connedicut. Their father 
died at Charleftown, where he poifeffed very confiderable 
property, in the thirty-third year of his age, (17 14,) 
and was fuppofed to be a man of real religion. 
Their mother appears to have been an eminently relig- 
ious character. The welfare of her children was the 
object of her felicitous attention and unwearied purfui-t. 
*' Night and morning (he conftantiy prayed with them 
on her bended knees, and as conftantiy afked a bleffing 
upon the food which me ate with them, and gave them 
very wholefome inftrueYions, exhortations and admoni- 
tions." An example worthy the imitation of every 
woman in her (ituation ; but an example how little imi- 
tated, at the prefent day ! Neither the time, nor the cir- 
cumftances of her death, are known to the writer. 

jofeph Crofwell, the fubjecl of thefe memoirs, was born, 
as has already been obferved, March 12, 17 12. His 
youth was devoted principally to thofe ftudies, which 
are preparatory to a univerfity education, in which he 
made laudable progreis ; but fuch was his diffidence of 
himfelf, that he declined the public education for which 
he had become qualified, arid ferved an apprenticefhip to 
a baker. This employment, not being congenial to his 
difpofition, he foon relinquifned, and engaged in mer- 
cantile purfuits, in which, for feveral years, he was fuc- 
cefsful ; but his fair profpecls were fuddenly overcaft, and 
his flattering hopes were blafted by a concurrence of 
adverfs events. He fuffered a total lofs of his property 5 



LIFE OF JOSEPH CROSWELL. 7 

his integrity for a time appeared queftionable, and his 
circumltances, in general, became moft diftrac~tingly per- 
plexing, and painfully diftreffing. In this iituation he 
was thruft into prifon by his fuppofed principal creditor ; 
where, for a number of weeks, he was detained. But his 
liberation, it is believed, was accompanied with fatisfac- 
tory evidence, that, however unfortunate, he had not 
incurred the guilt of difhonefty. 

Stripped of his property, and in a good degree freed 
from his entanglements, he, for a time, engaged ki the 
buiinefs of inftrucling youth. But in this department he 
continued, it is believed, but a fhort time. 

From the age of thirteen, to this period, and to the 
beginning of the thirty-firft year of his age, his mind 
was, in fome degree, habitually under ierious and alarm- 
ing imprefiions j.w.hich, at times, were exceedingly ftrong 
and diltreiling. But all was not fufficient to control a 
naturally impetuous and irafcible temper, or to produce 
any falutary effect upon his heart. He ftill held the 
truth in unrighteouihefs. But on the 26th of March, 
1742, O. S. he became, as he believed, favingly acquaint? 
ed with the truth, as it is in Jefus. Ke thus writes re- 
fpecling the event. 

" Groton, (Con.) — On March, 26th day, in- the old ftyle, 
on Friday, at about half an hour after two o'clock, p.m. 
1 was made partaker of the glorious work of divine 
grace, and, through the fame grace, I have the full af- 
furance of God's love at prefent, (1787.) Although I 
am not much acquainted with rapture, yet through the 
grace of God I am kept in a leaning pofture, — leaning 
upon the bofom of truth and faithfulnefs, and can fay, 
hitherto the Lord hath helped me." 

It is believed that a particular and diftin'cl ftatement cf 
Mr. Crofwell's converfion is to be found among fome of 
his papers; but as they are not in the hands of the 
writer, he is unable, at prefent, to give a more circum- 
ftantial account of it. 

About this time he was married to Jerufha, daughter 
of Capt. Jofeph Bartlet, of Plymouth, an amiable woman, 
and excellent chriftian,* by whom he had two children, 

* Mrs. Oosw ell died June 28 5 1785. " She was a woman of 
so meek and mild a temper, that it was never known that the 
sun weftt down upoa her wrath^ 



i3 SKETCHES OF THE 

^a {on and a daughter, who are now living in Bridge- 
water. 

For feveral years after his marriage, he appears to 
have been employed in adj lifting his deranged affairs, and 
in miniftering to his own, and the neceflities of his family, 
by manual labour. 

About the year 1753 ne began to preach, in the forty* 
firft or forty-fecond year of his age, from a full perfuafton 
that " necefllty was laid Upon him," to labour in the vine- 
yard of Ghrift. The writer has been informed, from an 
unique ft ion able fource, that he delayed entering on the 
folemn and important work, till, like Paul, he was ready 
to exclaim, " wo is me, if I preach not the gofpel i" 
That he was fully perfuaded, he had a fpecial call to 
preach the unfearchable riches of Chrift to his fellow 
men, by clear and forcible intimations of the Spirit and 
providence of God, is not, it is believed, to be doubted. 
Whether this were s*eally the cafe, the reader muft judge 
for himfelf. That he was fincerely engaged in the great 
work, and willingly fpent himfelf in it, his journals and 
other writings bear the moft fatisfaclory teftimcny. 

In the courfe of his miniilry, a period of more than 
forty years, he travelled over a great portion of the 
dates of New Hampihire, MaiTa chufetts, Connecticut, 
Rhode Ifland, and fome part of the diftrict. of Maine. 
He rode, probably, 3000 miles a year, and preached near- 
ly as many ferrnons, in each year, as it contains days ; and 
that he was inftrumental to the converilon and comfort- 
ing of fouls, no inconfiderable number of living witneiTes 
can give their joyful teftimony. It is not unlikely, how- 
ever, that the number of real converfions under his min- 
iftry was considerably lefs than himfelf and fome others 
might imagine. But if he were inftrumental of the con- 
verfion of but a fmgle foul, he was the occafion of joy 
to the inhabitants of heaven, and of unfpeakable and 
everlafting good. Ought it not then to be a fubjecl of 
joy to men on earth ? 

It appears from the journals and other writings of 
Mr. C.. that he was diligent and laborious in improving 
all opportunities to furrnih his mind with theological 
knowledge. His reading was considerably extenfive 5 
but his favourite authors were thofe of the Calviniftic de- 
scription, fuch as JFiavel, Erfldrje, Bolton, Edwards, &e, 



LIFE OF JOSEPH CROSWELL. $ 

Although his preaching was often far from being 
methodically correct, his fermons, generally, it is believ-' 
cd, poffeffed no inconfiderable fnare of excellence. 
Many of them had been written, in whole, or in part, 
previoufly to their delivery. As a fpeaker, he was eafy 
and natural, but energetic and impreffive. He appeared 
himfelf to feel his fubjecl:, and generally to muke his 
hearers feel it. 

Among his writings, which pofTefs no inconfiderable 
degree of correclnefs and merit, are a variety of effays 
on religious fubjects, and an exposition of the book of 
Canticles, in which he difplays a lively imagination, much 
warmth of religious affection, and an extenfive acquaint- 
ance with the holy fcriptures. 

His moral character, at lead, from the time of his 
fuppofed converfion, was never impeached, by thofe who 
were intimately acquainted with him. Like the chaftity 
of Cefar's wife, it was not even fufpecled of cenfurable 
blemiilies. 

He was a man of prayer, and his devotion was both 
fervent and unceafing. For many years he was connect- 
ed, by folemn covenant, with feveral chriftian friends in 
the New-England ftates, who devoted Saturday even- 
ings to the more immediate purpofe of praying for 
each other, and for each other's families. Family pray- 
er, he appears never to have omitted, either night or 
morning, unlefs when infuperableobftacles were in the way; 
his prayers in retirement were very frequent, and, to an 
intimate friend and acquaintance, he has obferved, and 
apparently without any oftentation of religious vanity, 
that it was feldom the cafe, except when afleep, in con- 
verfation, or in preaching, &c. but he was engaged in 
ejaculatory prayer. And in his prayers, the profperity 
of Zion was generally the fubjecl of his mod earneft 
interceffion. 

It has been thought by fome, and perhaps not wholly 
without foundation, that he was unhappily, and to a 
confiderable degree, influenced by a fpirit of fuperftition 
and enthufiafm ; that he was unreafonably cenforious of 
others, and fometimes the fport of credulity and idle 
imprefllons. 



10 SKETCHES OF THE 

If thefe, in fome degree, were traits in his character, 
although they are to be efteemed as blemifhes, yet will 
it not be the decifion of candour, that they may be the 
" fpots of God's children ?" Will it not alfo be the de- 
cifion of the fame candour, that they are blemifhes lefs 
cenfurable, particularly in the minifterial character, and 
lefs injurious to religion, than a lukewarm indifference- — an 
unqualified latiludinarianifm of opinion refpccling the fafety of 

finful men , and ^Jheptical belief with relation to all religious 

feelings and imprejjions ? 

As to his religious fentiments, they were generally, and 
in the ftricj: fenfe of the phrafe, of the Calviniftic com- 
plexion, as will appear from the following ftatement. 

u An account of my principles. 

" I believe that God made men upright, but that they 
have fought out many inventions ; that Adam ftood and. 
fell as a public perfon or head ; that by virtue of our 
connexion with him we have loft God's moral image, 
andarejuftly condemned ; that we are deftitute of all 
fpiritual ability to ferve God acceptably ;* that we are 
Infinitely indebted to divine juftice ; totally blind, as to 
fpiritual things, unable to help ourfelves and unwilling 
that God mould help us. 

" I believe in the doctrine of unconditional, perfonal 
and eternal election ; that juftification is inftrumentally 
effected by faith, depending wholly upon the obedience, 
the blood and refurre&ion of Chrift, as exhibited in the 
gofpel. 

" I believe in progreflive fan&ification, and that the 
true believer hates every thing that God hates, and loves 
every thing that God loves ; that he takes the holy fcrip* 
tures for his compafs, and God's Spirit, who indited them, 
for his guide, and that, confequently, he makes God's 
glory his ultimate end. 

" I firmly hold to the final perfeverance and eternal 
glorification of all true believers, and that their fpiritual 
life begins, and is eternally fupported by the quickening 
Spirit of Jefus Chrift. Joseph Croswell." 

* I have no notion, either from scripture or experience, of 
any impotency in man to do his duty, but what arises from his 
aversion to it ; or of any readiness in him to do evil, but what 
arises from his love to it.— From his viiscellaneous thoughts, 



LIFE OF JOSEPH CROSWELL. II 

Thefe fentiments, which were probably penned fooft 
after he began to preach, he conftantly affirmed and 
taught, as the fundamental truths of the gofpel. And 
that they were not his religious opinions merely , but that 
they were deeply engraven on his heart and had power- 
ful influence on his religious conduct, his journals and 
other writings, and particularly the following refolutions^ 
furnifh the moft ftriking evidence. 

" Refolve — i. To pray in fecret feven times a day. 

2. To repeat the book of Canticles, by heart, daily, 
health and other circurnftances allowing. 

3. To examine my heart by God's word every night., 
to fee what agreement I can find between them. 

4. To read four chapters in the Bible, or four Pfalms 
daily ; and to pray for a bleffing upon the fame. 

5. To avoid all backbiting and defamation, with all 
detraction and evil furmifmgs. 

6. To pray for God's bleHlng Upon church and flate, 
and for antichrift's confufion and destruction. 

7. To watch againfl: every fin, and particularly againfl 
the fin* which eafily befets and overcomes me, and to 
avoid every thing leading to it. 

8. To faft twice a week, health and other circurn- 
ftances admitting. 

9. To pray for God's bleffing upon my family and 
friends, and for the outpouring of the Spirit upon all 
flefli. 

10. To repeat thefe refolutions three times daily, and 
to pray for a heart to keep the fame. 

Plymouth, Nov. 10, 1759." 

Whether theft refolutions were carried into complete 
effect, and whether all of them ought to have been, may 
be a queftion ; but his journals furnifh much evidence 
that they were never forgotten, nor greatly neglected. 

Mr. Crofwell died at Bridgewater, on the day of the 
general election in this ftate, 1799, an <* m the 88ch year 
of his age, after having preached with almoft unremitting 
affiduity for upwards of forty years, and cmcil a fhort 
time before his deceafe. 

Having taken a violent cold about fix months before 
his death, which confined him to his houfe, he gradually 

* Supposed to be a hasty and irascible temper. 




'12 SKETCtttS Of THE LIFE, Sit. 

funk under it. During this period he difcovered folici- 
tude for Zion's profperity, accompanied with a ftrong 
hope and unfhaken belief, that the defirable event would 
foon be accomplifhed. Both his heart and converfation 
Teemed to be in heaven* Heavenly themes almoft whol- 
ly employed his tongue. On hearing of revivals of re- 
ligion, in any places, he was filled with joy and ftrong 
confolation. His approaching diflblution, of which he 
was-fenfible, he contemplated with much compofure and 
Satisfaction, obferving that the idea of dying and appear- 
ing before God were fubjects of no terror to him, and 
that he could anticipate them with as much pleafure, as 
the youthful mind anticipated the joyous fcene of an ap- 
proaching marriage. But this was far from arifmg from 
any view of his own worthinefs or confidence in his own 
goodnefs, as entitling him to the divine favour. He ap- 
peared to have a deep fenfe of his unworthinefs and the 
plague of his heart. His hope and firm expectation of 
the heavenly inheritance appeared to be wholly founded 
in the mercy of God through Jefus Chrift. Death he 
considered as an event which would completely difengage 
him from all fin and imperfection, and introduce him to 
the fociety of his dear chriiiian friends, who had died in 
the Lord, and to the innumerable multitude of holy and 
happy beings in the Paradife of God. Thefe were 
the confi derations which difarmed death of his terrors; 
and often filled him with fuch ecftafy of joy and praife, 
as to make him exclaim with Shouting. " holy ! holy ! 
holy !" 

When dying, although fully fenfible of his fituation, 
he exclaimed with apparent furprife, " Is this dying ?" 
and declared that, excepting once or twice, he had felt 
no pain or uncomfortable fenfation, In this fituation, 
with a pleafant countenance, and in a joyful frame of 
mind, he fweetly fell afleep, it is believed, in Jefus. 



EXTRACTS 

FROM MR. CROSWELL'S MANUSCRIPTS. 



EXTRACTS FROM MR. CROSWELL'S JOUR- 
NAL FOR THE YEAR 1752. 

WHICH, IT IS BELIEVED, WERE PENNED A SHORT TIME 
BEFORE HE BEGAN TO PREACH, AND WHILE RESIDING 
IN PLYMOUTH, (MASS.) 

Plymouth , Sept. 25. TOWARDS evening experienced 
fome fweet refrefhment in my retirement. Have been aw- 
fully deferted for feveral days part, great part of my time. 
O cheering fight, to fee the fun after a cold and depreff- 
ing ftorm ! 

27th. Experienced feveral infpirations of divine love 
in reading over my paft experiences. All glory to God 
therefor. The fame Spirit which affiHed me in penning 
them down, fweetly breathed again upon my fainting 
foul, too much fcorched and dried up with an old cove- 
nant, legal fpirit. Oh, that fince the body of Mofes was 
buried and concealed, may I ever be kept from taking 
the legal fpade to dig him up again — from ieeking life 
by the law as a covenant of works. But may I ever 
have recourfe to Jefus Chrift, my living head, making his 
blood my daily bath. May I derive fanctification and jus- 
tification from him, and no more work fir life, but from 
a principle of life imparted to me by Him, who is the 
refurrecftion and the life. Thus may the whole law of 
God be the delight of my foul as a rule of life, and may 
my love to Chrift be the principal motive of my keeping 
his commandments, and his Spirit the main fpring to 
fet every grace in motion, There is no living to God 
until we are dead to the law, as a covenant of works. 
Nothing promotes fanclification, but a gofpel believing 
frame. San deification of the fpirit, and belief of the 
truth, God has joined together, and let no man dare, or 
attempt to funder them. 

B 



34 Extracts from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripts. 

OBober 2d. Subject to weaknefs of body and great in- 
difpofition of foul, Lord, quicken and enliven me, if con- 
fident with thy holy will, and give me health of body. 
However, let my will be wholly fwallowed up in thine* 

pfe. Subject to a legal, dull, ftupid and unmortified 
frame — Lord, waft thou not made fanctification to me ? 
Oh, my Saviour, intercede for me, that I may be endued 
with power from on high, even with the plentiful eftu- 
fions of thy fanclifying Spirit ; nor let them be confined 
to me, but defcend and reft upon thine Ifrael throughout 
the world. 

Sweetly regaled in the afternoon by the heavenly fouth 
breezes of the divine Spirit, whilft repeating fcripture paf- 
fages, Thefe words in particular were very comfortable 
to my foul, u The roof of thy mouth, like the beft wine 
for my beloved, that goeth down iweetly, caufing the 
lips of thofe that fleep to fpeak." Indeed it had the fame 
bleiTed effect upon me. Glory to God. The following 
paiTage was alio raviftiing to my foul : " Make hafte, my 
Beloved, and be thou unto me like a roe or a young 
harf upon the mountains of fpices." I have this day 
repeated the whole book of Canticles by heart, and the 
Lord of his free mercy was pleafed to meet me in the ex- 
ercife. I can heartily recommend it, from delightful ex- 
perience, to believers to look to Chrift for the beftowment 
of his Spirit to fweeten duty. The word and ordinances 
are Chrift's chariot, in which he rides to meet his beloved 
bride. They are the galleries, in which he walks with 
his bride, and in which he grants her tokens of his love. 
O how pleafant is the fun after a chilling ftorrrt ! May 
no intervening cloud, in future, obftruct his enlivening 
rays. Lord, fmce my fins cannot conquer thy love, from 
my heart I pray that thy love may conquer and fubdue 
all my fins, for jefus Chrift's fake. Amen. 

Experienced a fpirit of prayer this evening in retire- 
ment, a w refiling frame for the building up of Zion, and 
a fyrnpathy with her in her melancholy fituation. Oh, 
that the fet time to favour her were fully come ! Come, 
Oh heavenly Bridegroom, and cheer thy fainting bride, 
the purchafe of thy heart's blood. Come quickly, Oh, 
come quickly. Even fo come, Lord jefus. 



ExtraBs from Mr. CrofweWs Manufcripts. 15 

6th. Experienced in a wonderful degree the fortify- 
ing confolations of the Spirit of Chrift. I think that for a 
little time 1 felt fomething like martyr-confolation. My 
glorious Captain beft knows what it is preparative to, 
I defire to give up myfelf unrefervedly to his difpofal, 
foul and body, time and talents, with all my enjoyments. 
Lord Jefus, may I be hearty in this my dedication. 
Some divine quickening in the evening. Glory to God. 

7 /A. Corruptions ftrong in me. God, be merciful to 
me a finner. Oh, God, may I blufli and be confounded 
when thou art pacified toward me, notwithstanding all 
that I have done to provoke thee to anger. Keep back 
thy fervant from prefumptuous fins :. Oh, let them never 
have dominion over me. Bold {inning makes faint believ- 
ing. Lord Jefus, iniquities prevail againft me ; and my 
aifeclions are'awfully entangled with boforn fins. Where 
fhall I flee for help : The law cannot help me in the Ilea ft, 
and, bleffed be God, it cannot hurt me in point of final 
condemnation. For all thofe who are in Chrift jefus, 
he has borne the curie, He has borne, as it were, their 
fins iu his own body on the tree. Unto thee, Oh Zioivs 
King, Would I repair with my monftrous and hateful 
lufts, that my foul might be cleanfed from them in the 
fountain of thy blood, which cleanfeth from all fin. 
Lord, thou knoweft, that I do hate thefe lulls, and that 
when I would do good, evil is prefent with me. Oh, bleff- 
ed Lamb of God, waft thou not flain for me on Calva- 
ry's mount ? To thy dear crofs I fly. Oh, for a frefh 
application of that infinitely meritorious and heaven ap- 
pearing blood, which, in very dttd^ is the blood of God ; 
and muft confequently have fufficient virtue to purge 
away the fins of the whole ele<5t world. Indeed, there is 
virtue enough in one drop of it (its value being infinite) 
for a thoufand million of worlds, were there fo many, 
fhould they repair to it for cleanfing. Oh, exalted high 
Prieft, plead for poor Simon in the court of glory. I 
defire no other plea than thine own infinitely meritori- 
ous facrifi.ee. This is the only foundation of thy pre- 
vailing interceffion with the Father. By thy kingly pow~ 
er fubdue every luft within me. Make me felf diffident, 
and more confident in thy truth and faithfulnefs 



x6 ExlraEis from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripis* 

8ih. In the evening enjoyed fweet emanations of di- 
Tine love melting my foul into gofpel repentance. 
Awake, O north wind, and come thou fouth, and blow 
upon this withered garden, that the fpices thereof may 
^flow forth. Have experienced great defertion, at times, 
of late— my fpirks much damped and beclouded. Noth- 
ing helps thefe discouragements like Chrift's felt-prefence. 
I alnioft forget my bodily weaknefs and mifgivings of 
mind, when I feel his forgiving love. Frequent refrefh- 
ings this evening. All glory to God. 

gth. Expeiienced fome heavenly infpirations of the 
Spirit in reading Mr. Reynolds, concerning the power of 
Chrift in putting down his and his peoples' enemies, and 
in (laying afflictive providences, when he pleafes, in an 
inftant. Blefled be God for any prelibations of divine 
and everlaft'ing love. Have had great bodily weaknefs 
for feveral days, this day in an efpecial manner. Oh, 
that ficknefs may ifTue in the health of my foul ! Lord, 
if confident with thy will, heal my bodily difeafes. Let 
my indifpofition, however, be fanctified. To the glory 
of fret grace I would fpeak it, that I feareely ever have 
any bodily weaknefs, but my heavenly Phyfician keeps 
near me ; and whenever he fees my fpirits fainting, (all 
glory to his name) he adminifters the divine cordials 
of ftrengthening confolation. Frequently they are given, 
preparatory to ficknefs and afflictive difpenfations of di- 
vine Providence. I know not what is belt for me, but 
Chrift knows, and there I red, undoubtingly believing 
that all things will eventually work together for his 
glory and the good of my foul. 

I denre not to defpife divine chaflening, nor faint 
under it. But, bleffed Lord, try me not beyond my 
ftrength. Bleffed Saviour, intercede for me, that my 
faith may never fail. I believe, Oh, help my unbelief ! 

loth. Am obliged, through weaknefs, to keep houfe 
all this day. Awful deadnefs of fpirits. Lord, cad me 
not away from thy prefence, and take not thy holy Spirit 
from me. Sanctify my bodily pain, and if confident 
with thy will remove it from me. But however this 
,may be, bow my will to thine in every thing. Some 
quickening in the afternoon from thefe words, u I was 
in the fpirit on the Lord's day, and I heard a voice, 



Extra fis froth Mr. CrofaelVs Manufcripts. 37 

as of a trumpet, faying, I am Alpha and Omega, the be- 
ginning and the end." 

12/A. Have been awfully deferted for feveral days; 
but having been enabled to caft all my burdens upon. 
Chrift, he was pleafed to afford me a look of love, which 
brake my heart, and caufed ftreams of repentance to 
flow. I fpeak of this to encourage any, who may read 
thefe lines, to endeavour to come up out of the wildernefs 
by faith, leaning upon Chrift. Sundry times in the even- 
ing had gracious meltings of foul. 

\6th. In the evening realized fome quickenings in 
reading the believer's journey to the heavenly Canaan, by 
Mr. Erfkine. Lord, fcatter my doubts, banifn my un- 
belief, quicken and fanclify my ftupid and barren foul. 

17/A. Some enlivening about noon while pafling. 
through woods and repeating the three laft chapters in 
the Canticles. Had fome fpiritual converfation with a 
chriftian friend. BlefTed be God for any breathings of 
his Spirit and for any freedom in fpiritual converfe. 

iStb. Lord's day. Forenoon, tarried at home. Ex- 
perienced fome quickening in reading Erfkine on the har- 
mony of the divine attributes. Saw fomething of the 
wifdom and love of God in fending his only Son to die 
for finners. In the afternoon heard my brother [Rev. 
Andrew Crofwell] preach from thefe words of our Sav- 
iour's difcourfe with the woman of Samaria, " If thou 
hadft known the gift of God," &c. Towards the clofe 
of the fermon felt longings for freedom from fin and for 
the Janclifying influences of the divine Spirit. Oh God, 
grant me the fame for the fake of thy dear Son 5 who is 
made unto the believer wifdom, fanclification and eternal 
redemption. 

19th. This day was much enlivened in reading Mr. 
Erfkine's works ; was led to thirft, and aim oft to 
panting after the fanclification of the Spirit. My foul did 
agonize for a complete victory over every luft. Oh God, 
grant this ineftimable bleffing for Jefus Chrift's fake. 
Amen. Lord, thou haft faid, bleffed are they that hun- 
ger and thirft after righteoufnefs, for they fliall be filled. 
May I not plead with thee, that I have thy word in pledge 
for this mercy y and through grace humbly fay, I will not 
B 2 



i8 ExtraBs from Mr. CrofweWs Manufcripts. 

let thee go until thou dofl; blefs me in this very thing ? 
This is the will of God, even my fanctification, and it is 
my will alfo. Oh God, let not fin flop or hinder this glo- 
rious work from going on in my foul. For Chrift's 
fake, hear and anfwer me, Oh, my God. 

2Qth, In the forenoon, corruptions aloft and grace 
depreffed. About noon felt immediate fortification in the 
expectation that great fuffering is before me on account of 
religion. This, indeed, is what I have been long expect- 
ing. I know not but it will be a fiery one fnould 
it come. Lord Jefus, intercede for me that my faith and 
conftancy fail not. Oh, leave me not a moment ; for 
ihouldft thou leave me, I (hall affuredly deny thee. Lord, 
remember thy promife, " when thou walkeft through the 
fire, thou (halt not be burned, neither fhall the flame kin* 
dh upon thee." 

23^. Sweetly (Irengthened in prayer. Perhaps while 
in this exercife I might realize fome blefled effects of the 
prayers of fome al*tnt friends, having heretofore -agreed 
with divers chriftians, feparateiy and mutually to remem- 
ber each other in our prayers, more particularly on the 
evenings preceding the Sabbath. I cannot but believe 
that I have fundry times reaped benefit in this way. To 
God's name alone be all the glory, who maketh ufe of the 
weakeft means to accomplifti his purpofes of grace; even 
of clay and fpittle, that the excellency of the power 
might be of him. Was enabled to pray for fome abfent 
chriftian friends, the Spirit of God, I truft, making in- 
terceflion. Oh, the bleffed unction poured upon the myf- 
ticai body of Chrift, who purchased the gift for rebel- 
lious finners, and upon whofe prevalent interceflion the 
holy Spirit is fent down into our fouls like holy anointing 
oil, mollifying our hard and obdurate hearts, quickening 
our languid affections, ftirring up heavenly motions, and 
making firong and powerful interceflion, in behalf of 
ourfelves and others ! Thus influenced, the foul, which 
was before fettled into a dead calm, now fpreads abroad 
the whole fail of her affections, with groans unutterable, 
and crying Abba, Father. Such inward emotions and 
fallies of foul after her beloved object:, although unac- 
companied with audible and diftinct founds, make a mel- 
ody more acceptable to Heaven than the moil fublimeex- 



ExiraBs from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts. 19 

preffions, flowing with the eloquence of an angePs 
tongue, when they proceed from the undevout and un- 
fanclified heart. Thefe defires and groanings of fpirit 
are peculiar to believers ; for none but fuch have the 
fpirit of adoption. Glory to God for his diftinguifhing 
love. Oh, may I not be high minded, but fear with a rev- 
erential and filial fear. Lord, I would not pray for my f elf 
and my particular friends only ; but I would thus entreat 
thee — Oh pity the nations which lie in wickednefs ; con- 
drain the world to come to the faving knowledge of thy- 
felf ; fend thy victorious gofpel abroad and bring the 
poor ftrangers home. 

244/6. Sabbath day. Tarried at home all day, as 
there was no preaching, my brother having returned to 
Bofton to his own flock, from which he had been abfent, 
on account of the fmall-pox in that place, nearly feven 
months. Forenoon, fome ftrengthening in reading gof- 
pel fonnets, and much quickened in writing the above 
remarks upon the interceffion. of the Spirit, &c. Af- 
ternoon. Sweetly refrefhed in reading Mr. Erfkine's 
works concerning the fufTerings of Chrift, and in particu- 
lar where he mentions that the weight of the divine curfe, 
which he bore for us, would have crufhed ten thoufand 
w r orlds. Oh, the infinite wifdom of God in laying this in- 
finite weight upon him, whofe divinity fupported his hu- 
manity ; and as Mr. Erfkine expreiTes it, 

" The load was heavy, but the back was broad, 
" The mighty bearer was the eternal God." 

26th. Retired this morning for private prayer. Un- 
der a confcioufnefs of my corruptions was enabled to 
plead for ftrength to reftrain and fubdue them. Enjoyed 
freedom of foul in my addreffes to the throne of grace. 
Was enabled alfo to plead for temporal provifion, and 
to caft myfelf and family, with all my burdens, upon the 
Lord. I felt myfelf, for a time, locked up, as it were, 
in the chamber of divine faithfulnefs. Although to hu- 
man appearance I had not the leaft profpecl of temporal 
deliverance from fevere trials, which afTailed me, but 
midnight darknefs refted on the profpecl before me ; yet, 
in the divine light, I could fee light. Divine promifes 
appeared as a glorious fountain, from which rays of 



so KxtraSs from Mr. CrofwelFs Manufcripts. 

light emanated, as fo many tokens of God's love to his 
children under every prefTure of life. If God did not de- 
light in daily applications of his poor children, would he 
not have taught them to pray for a twelvemonth's bread 1 
at once, and could he not as eafily fupply them with this 
provision, as to fupply them day by day? But as kind 
and tender-hearted parents delight in the broken peti- 
tions of their beloved children, and are gratified in fup- 
plying their frequently returning wants, even thus is our 
heavenly Father pleafed with our daily and frequent pe- 
titions, and delights in anfwering them from the (lores of 
his bounty. Sometimes, indeed, he fhuts the door upon 
his children, as to any fenfible and immediate relief of 
their wants. This he does that they might be led to 
knock the harder, by importunate prayer, at the door of 
promife until it is opened. Importunate prayer, when 
made in faith, porTerTes a kind of omnipotency. Agreea- 
bly, the great object of prayer fays to his children, 
" command ye me." Wonderful con defcenfion ! Pre- 
cious encouragement !. Sweetly refrefned by God's good- 
nefs while writing, this morning, the exercifes of my 
mind. I truft I was enabled to believe that God would 
indeed help me in my troubles, which have of late been 
awfully enlarged. Oh, my God, bring me out of my dif- 
ttefTes in thine own time and way. Lord, thou haft remov- 
ed me far from peace. 1 have forgotten profperity ; waters 
have flowed over my head. But I believe that thefe 
diftrefling providences will bring me out into a large 
place, and fet my feet upon a rock, that God will fpread 
a table for me and mine in the midft of our enemies, and 
that both external and internal friends will be raifed up 
to favour me. But be this as it may, I think I defire no 
lot in the world but what fhall contribute mod to God's 
glory. But I do verily believe that God, in mercy, is 
humbling, and thus preparing me for fuch external mer- 
cies as I could not have borne, had I not firft been emp- 
tied from vefTel to veffel by contrary winds, adverfe prov- 
idences and death-like difpenfations. " Lo, all thefe 
things oftentimes worketh God with men." 

27/^. Comforted this morning with a believing view 
of God's infinite wifdom in bringing good out of evil to 
his children, although Jacob-like they often, through the 



ExtraBs from Mr. CrofweWs Manufcripls. 21 

prevalency of unbelief, bitterly, cry, all thefe things are 
againft us. ^ feemed to realize that God did not wil- 
lingly afHicI: nor grieve his children ; that he did not de- 
light in dripping them of their enjoyments, but only as 
he law it neceiTary to promote their fan&ification, and 
to the fubduing of their bofom lulls and corruptions. 
Whilft I was thus muring, the fiie burned ; then fpake I 
with my tongue to extol divine wifdom and faithfulnefs. 
Repentance flowed whilft the fouth wind blew. 1 faw 
fomething of the wifdom of God alfo in bruifing fome 
of his children in the mortar of affliction, that, like fpice 
well pounded and bruifed, they might emit a morefweet, 
a favoury odour of the graces of the Spirit, to the ben- 
efit and confirmation of other chriftians, and that they 
might have a mutual, and more endearing fellowfhip, 
one with another, by the Divine Spirit. 

28/A.. Sundry favourable providences this day feafcn- 
ably occurred, and 1 truft in an anfwer to prayer, in rela- 
tion to myfelf and family. BleiTed be God. Thus I have 
an opportunity, through grace, to fet up my Ebenezer, 
and fay, " hitherto the Lord hath helped me," I faw 
mercies coming to me in the new and well-ordered cov- 
enant, through jefus Chrift. Oh, how defirable to have 
our mercies come to us with the heart's love of our Re- 
deemer ! This fweetens our bread and water to us 
beyond the richeft dainties. 

zgth. Violently attacked with the ague in my face — 
i<ave had fcarcely a moment's eafe the whole day. I 
pray thee, Oh, my God, to remove my pains : but if this 
ieem not good in thy fight, fanctify them, I befeech thee, 
to my foul, and teach me and mine every lefTon we 
ought to learn by our affricHve vifitations. We are but 
dull fcholars, froward children, and take, hardly, our 
weaning from the breads of the world. Oh, for the 
teaching, fanclifving and quickening influences of the 
Divine Spirit upon our barren and benumbed fouls. 
Let them like wife be di Milled upon thine Ifrael every 
where, and upon the whole world for Chrift Jefus' fake. 
Amen, 



22 



ExtraBs from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcrtpts. 



THOUGHTS ON THE WISDOM OF GOD IN THE PER- 
MISSION OF SIN, &C. 

AS to God's effential glory, it is impoffible that any 
addition fhould be made to it. But his communicative 
and declarative glory, is, and will be more and more 
manifefted lo all rational intelligences, by his wifdom, 
love, power, fakhfulnefs, in creation, providence and re- 
demption ; the laft of which, it is my purpofe, by divine 
help, to offer fome thoughts upon, at prefent. Firft of all 
I fhall endeavour, by way of introduction, to fpeak fome- 
thing of the wifdom of God in permitting the fall of 
man. God's will [in this event] was to glorify himfelf. 
He could ad from no higher or lower view than his own 
glory. The fountain of truth and juftice could do 
wrong to none of his creatures. There was one ever- 
lafting no™ with God from eternity, and there is no 
new fucceffion of lime and things with hira. God's de- 
cree had not the lead caufal influence with refpect to the 
fall of man. As God left our firft parents to the free- 
dom of their own wills, having created them perfectly 
holy, fo they wilfully and wickedly fell from that prim- 
itive rectitude they flood in, by their prefumptuous re- 
bellion again ft the divine command. Adam (landing 
as the reprefentative or common head, all mankind de- 
fending from him, by ordinary generation, finned and 
died in him. [By means of their connexion with him 
are fubject to fin and death.] The whole nature of man 
is poifoned to death. The moral image of God is loft, 
and the image of the devil is portrayed in death char- 
acters. The unhappy pofterity of Adam are all non- 
conformifts to the moral law, infinitely indebted to di- 
vine juftice, and unable to pay one farthing. Spiritually, 
totally dead as to any inherent goodnefs or fpiritual life ; 
yea, children of wrath. Both jew and Gentile are con- 
eluded under fin. The law, which was originally given 
for life, now becomes a miniftration of death and con- 
demnation. Here the depths of man's mifery call for 
the depths of God'*> mercy. But more properly the 
deeps or boundlefs depths of God's mercy call to man 
in his deep mifery ; for God is found of them who 
fought him not. Here let us take a view of the plan 



Extra 8s from Mr. CrcrfwelPs Matwfcripts. 2$ 

which infinite wifdom laid from everla fling, for the re- 
covery of the feed of the woman, or of God's elect. God 
faw Adam and his wretched pofterity from eternity wal- 
lowing in their gore, in the open field, hopelefs and help- 
lefs, as to any creature help. Juftice pleads againft 
them. Surely no created being is able to (land the in- 
finite fhock from the fword of juftice. Who among the 
feraphic, or cherubic throng, durft enter as man's fure- 
ty, and in his nature appear againft the flaming fword of 
juftice ! Ten thoufand of elect angels, veiled w 7 ith hu- 
man bodies, as fureties for rebel men, would all have 
fainted. But eternal love, in concert with infinite wif- 
dom, pitches upon the fecond perfon in the adorable. 
Trinity, in the fulnefs of time to clothe himfelf with 
clay, and to take into perfonal union with himfelf, a hu- 
man nature perfectly pure, confifting of a true body and 
a reafonable foul. This wonderful perfon, as man, 
obeyed and fufTered death for his chofen ; and the God- 
head, the divine Altar, ianctifled the gift, fo that there 
was infinite virtue in his obedience and death, even tQ 
magnify the broken law and to make it honourable. 
The law of God is more magnified through this plan, 
which infinite wifdom laid, and infinite power complet- 
ed, iiifinltely mort honoured than it could have been by the 
moil perfect and confummate obedience of ten thoufands 
of worlds of elect angels to all eternity ! The juf- 
tice and holinefs of God Urine here, infinitely more in ho- 
ly feverity againft fin, in not fparing his only begotten 
and dearly beloved Son when he flood as our furety, 
than if millions of millions of wicked men and angels 
had been hung up as everlafting monuments of divine 
vengeance ! Thus the Son enters as the Lion of judah's 
tribe with courage and ftrength, and yet as a lamb is 
flain for his chofen. He dies for their offences, rifes 
again for their juftification, the Father, as it were, putting 
the broad feal of heaven to the finifhed atonement, 
Chrift is declared to be the Son of God with power in his 
refurrection from the dead. Here we fee all the divine 
attributes of God glorified. Here mercy triumphs ; juftice 
is fatisfied ; electing love is difplayed very glorioufly ; 
truth and^ faithfulnefs fhine with a dazzling luftre ; 
nghseoufnefs and peace kifs each other in this finifhed 



34 ExtraBs from Mr. CrofwelPs Ufanttfcrtpt?* 

atonement of Jefus Chrift, and God is well pleafed for 
his righteoufhefs ? fake. The Saviour having with his 
dying breath upon the crofs declared the atonement 
fmifhed, if we confefs our fins, he is juft and righteous to 
forgive them, and to cleanfe us from all unrighteouinefs. 
In this contrivance of infinite wifdom God has all the 
glory, and hoafting is everlaftingiy excluded ; and the 
mercy of God mines more glorioufly in thus recovering 
man from the ruins of the fall, then if he had preferved 
him as he did the elect angels from falling ; for recovering 
grace founds many notes higher than mere preventing good- 
nefs. Thus God for his own glory hath ordained whatso- 
ever comes to pafs. Of him, and to him, and through 
him, are all things ; to whom be glory forever and ever. 
Amen, 



EXTRACTS FROM HIS JOURNALS, 

FOR THE YEAR 1753, SOON AFTER HE BEGAN TO PREACH. 

On a journey from " Ply mouthy eajlward. yy 

*753- 

Plymouth^ July qth. SAT out from home, towards 
evening, with fome clearnefs as to my journey. Refresh- 
ed by the way as I rode along in the night, from felf-ex- 
amination. Spent the night in Duxborough. 

15 th* Sabbath day. Experienced this morning re- 
plenifliing draughts of divine love, fortifying my foul : 
Perfuaded that God calls me to this journey, and that 
he will blefs the fame. Heard Mr. — preach this 
day. His difcourfes were well ftudied ; but it f^emed 
as if the Spirit of God did not accompany them. The 
chariot wheels drove heavily, Lord, anoint him with 
frefh oil. Preached in the evening myfelf in this place : 
was treated with kindnefs, and furniflied w'th things 
needful for my journey. Blefled be God. No chrif- 
tian need diftrefs himfelf about fcrip and purfe, if he but 
honeftly goes a warfare in his Mafter-s fervice, with r 
fingle eye to his glory. I truftthat I can witnefs to th 



Extracts from Mr. Gr of well's Manufcrtpts. 25 

truth, and now defire with thankfulnefs and deep hi> 
mility to fet up my Ebenezer and fay, all glory to divine 
wifdom, love, mercy and faithfulnefs. 

17/^. Preached at a houfe in Weymouth, Chriftians 
feemed folemnized and melted. The fubject of my dif- 
courfe, " Behold, I (land at the door and knock." 
Whilft mentioning Chrift's agony in the garden of Geth- 
femane, the power of the Lord feemed to come down. 
The feafon was folemn. The minds of feveral little 
children were impreffed. While giving a word of ex- 
hortation, tears dropped like rain from the cheeks of one 
of them ; and all their countenances were much folem- 
nized. O God, have mercy upon them, and convert their 
precious fouls, for Chrift's fake. — Preached in Dorchefcer, 
in the evening, on the veracity and faithfulnefs of God in 
his promifes ; was enabled to warn again ft jarrs and fhy- 
nefs among chriftians, fome being prefent who had been 
at odds for fome time. Lord Jefus, thou healer of 
breaches and reftorer of paths to walk in, do thou in 
mercy heel this, and all other divifions of Reuben, which 
occafion great fearchings of heart. 

igtb. Spent the night in Wilmington. Put up at a 
tavern, an awfully fecure family, having not fo much as 
the form of religion. No room, generally, in taverns or 
inns, for Jefus Chrift, or his religion. Went to bed without 
family prayers, no opening for fuch esercife. Overheard 
fome fcoffing from the landlord againfl one of his neigh- 
bours, who would not go to reaping till he had per- 
formed family prayers. O Lord, have mercy upon fuch 
poor, perifhirig creatures. 

20th. Rode in company, about 10 miles, with a minif- 
ter, whom I am conftrained to believe, from the tenor of 
his converfation, to be an unconverted man. He was 
full of charity for moral heathens, believing that they 
would be faved. I defired him to inform me how he 
would get them to heaven according to God's word. 
His anfwer was, by the infufion of faith without their 
knowledge of it. What rniferable (hifts men are put to, 
when they leave the written word ! He talked much 
about graces but appeared to make no fpecific difference 
between common and laving grace. According to him, 
common grace, well-improved by the efforts of free-will, 
C 




,% 6 ExtracJs from Jtfr. Graf well's -Manvfcnpts, 

together with the concurring grace of God, would provs 
faving to the foul. O God, flay that poor, miferable, 
blind guide : make him dead to the law, and bring him 
to life by the gofpel. Lord God Almighty, pity poor 
New England, and purge her churches of all fuch teach- 
ers as lifp out one half of their inftruclions in the language 
of Afhdod. Oh, purify the houfe of Levi ; fcourge money- 
changers out of thy temple, and deliver this land from 
dry breafts and rnifcarrying wombs, for Chrift's fake, 
Amen. Spent the night in Haverhill, where a door 
feems to be opening for me to preach the unfearchable 
riches of Chrift. Preached in the evening. Was im- 
preffed with a belief, a few years pan 1 , when living in 
Connecticut, that a great and good work would take 
place near Haverhill, and along Merrimack river. Lord, 
may true preachers caft the gofpel not from Engedi 
even unto En-eglaim, and take -fiihes of all kinds, not 
a few ^^^^*^^ 

December 26th. At Plymouth. Refrefhed in repeat- 
ing pa ifages from the Canticles. In the evening expe- 
rienced very unufual meltings of foul while reading Mr. 
Erfkine's fermon on the virion of dry bones. My com- 
forts much revived. Have, for a great while, been fpir- 
itually fhut out of doors for bold finning. Oh, how 
bleffed a thing to fee and feel the fun — to realize the 
fouth breezes of the Spirit, after a long, a cold and be- 
numbing ftorm of temptation and defer tion ! Oh, bleif- 
ed Jefus, leave me not, but come nearer, nearer, nearer 
flilL I am well when thou art near. 

" Those whom thy absence makes to grieve, 
fi Thy presence only can relieve. 

Lord, effectually bruife Satan under my feet, and keep ms 
humble and feif-ernpty under, and after fpecial manifefta- 
tions of thy love. 

30/A. Kept this day as a private fa ft, in fome mea- 
fure ; was wonderfully melted down in reading 4 ' the 
fulfilling of the fcripture ;" was made, I truft, to thirft 
after God, even the living God, whilfl: reading " the 
fpring tides of the gofpel," and concerning the abundant 
ihowers of the Spirit after Chrift's afcenfion ; feemed to 
Jong for the pouring down of the fame divine cSuCions : 



ExlraBs from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripts. 27 

from our exalted and adorable Immannel, upon his now 
withered churches and gardens in New England. Even 
fo come, Lord Jesus, come in Pentecoft effufions of the 
Spirit's quickening influences. Amen. 

1 754- 

Plymouth, January \Jl. Glory, glory to God for 
the many • fweet experiences of his goodnefs to nie 
and mine in the courfe of the paft year. Lord, forgive 
us all our fins, and if we live another year, may we live 
abundantly more to thy glory, than ever yet we have 
done, for Chrift's fake. Lord, lead us not into tempta- 
tion, but deliver us from all eviL Wonderful refrefh- 
xnents fundry times this day. Whil'ft penning down my 
paft experiences, the fouth wind fweetly blew upon my 
foul, and I was melted into tears of joy. Bleffed be my 
God. 

2d. Was overborne the former part of this day with 
fiery darts from Satan, and could obtain no fenfible an- 
fwer to prayer. Sat down to work r this forenoon, at my 
calling,* and befought the divine bleffing upon my la- 
bour ; but while I was bufily employed, thefe words 
came to my mind, " Feed my fheep," and my heart was 
melted within me. The fame words came again with 
power and frequent repeti.ion, which caufed tears of joy 
to run down my cheeks like rain. I feh a defire to be 
employed fome way ferviceable to poor, unconverted 
fouls. Great was my pity towards them. I betook my- 
felf to a fecret place, where I was affailed with the fug- 
geftion, that I had been impofed upon ; but whilft I was 
impartially, I truft, examining the fubject with a fedate 
and ferious frame cf mind, emanations flowed upon me 
from the fountain -of fulnefs, a fpirit of prayer was given 
me, and I earneftly entreated that the Lord jefus would 
ride forth conquering and to conquer. I wept, and made 
fupplication, that labourers might be fent forth, fuper- 
naturally affifted, for the great and important work 
©f preaching- the - gofpel. Almofl agonized, for fome 

* Mr. C. appears for a short time to have desisted from 
preaching; but on what account, the writer of this has not, as 
yet,, been able to ascertain 



28 Ext rafts from Mr. Cro/kvelPs Manufcripts* 

time. Had a fenfe of my own unworthinefs for fo im- 
portant an undertaking ; bat promifed my glorious 
Lord, that if he would qualify me, and go along with 
me, 1 would go forth in his ftrength, and fpend and be 
fpent in his caufe. My call was greatly cleared up to me. 

P. M. In retirement, was almoft raviflied whilft re- 
peating thefe words, " Awake, oh north wind, and come, 
thou fouth.*" Thefe words alfo greatly impreiTed my 
foul, " the Spirit and the bride fay, come." Come, Oh 
come, Lord Jefus, come quickly in Pentecoft effufions 
upon a fmful and periihing world. Oh, bleiTed jefus, 
haft thou come to me in the fourth watch of the night I 
Many waters cannot quench thy love to thine, neither 
can Hoods of opposition (top the current of divine love. 
Verily God is a faithful God, and that my foul knoweth 
right well. Much affected in the evening in reading 
over this day's experience, and particularly, with thefe 
words, " Feed my fheep." Lord, qualify me for what- 
ever thou fhalt be pleafed to call me to. Let my eye be 
fingle, that my whole body may be full of light. 

7th. Much drawn out in prayer this evening in re- 
tirement for myfelf and family, and for the church uni- 
verfal. I wept and made fupplication that God would 
qualify me for the gofpel miniftry. Afternoon. An 
awful damp came upon my fpirits, as if trouble were 
nigh. Lord, let me not be milled by any falfe and en- 
thufiaftic impreffion ; neither let me be afraid of evil 
tidings ; but may my heart be fixed, trufting in God. 
Sanctify, humble and purify me and my family ; fubdue 
ourlufts and corruptions; for ChriiVs fake, wafh our 
fouls white in the purifying blood of the Lamb, and 
give us repentance for, and victory over our unmorti- 
fied lulls and corrupt affections. 

%ih. Felt a ftiong perfuafion this morning, that my 
work is yet to feed ChrilVs fheep. The will of the 
Lord be done. If God indeed calls, 1 am fure he both 
can and will qualify me for the work, to which he calls 
me. The clsy is nothing, the power is with God, and 
all the glory of fuccefs belongs to him alone. Ex- 
perienced fenfible exercifes, this forenoon, of repentance, 
of felf-judging, felf-loathing and felf-condemnation, for 
bofom fins. Oh God, waih me in the precious blood of 



ExtraHs from Mr. CroftvelPs Manufcripts. 2$ 

Ohrift. Keep me humble, watchful, careful and prayer- 
ful. 

gtb. Realized this morning a defire after truth in the 
inward parts. Have been almoft overborne, in the 
courfe of the day, wieh Satan's fiery darts; felt as if I 
ihould go diftracted with keen temptations. Oh, bleffed 
jefus, pity thy poor and tempted fervant. I believe 
that thou art fehovah, and therefore both able and will- 
ing to fuccour the tempted. Thanks, eternal thanks to 
thee, Oh, everlafting Father, that thy dear Son was ]q<1 
into the wildernefs by the Spirit, to be tempted of Sa- 
tan, for ajl thine elect. Oh, infinite condefcenfion ! Rich 
and furprifing love ! Eternity itfelf will never found the 
bottom of infinite wifdom and love conjoined. Much 
refrelhed in penning fome of the above lines. Verily 
Chrift is kind to his children. Satan feems to be bound 
for a little feafon. But, O Lord, fuffer me not to neg- 
lect my watch on that account. Intercede for me, Oh 
Son of God, that my faith fail not, and that through 
thy ftrength I may be led to victory and to triumph. 

i lih. O-bferved this day, in fome meafure, as a pri- 
vate faft. Some quiekenings in prayer in the fore- 
noon. Some refrefhings towards evening in reading 
thofe words, which I believe 1 have had fet home upon 
my mind as a call to preach the gofpel, viz. Feed my 
fieep. My heart melted like wax, and tears of joy and 
forrow flowed. Felt a defire that Ggd would deliver 
rue from the didreffing temptations, which have, at 
times, almoft overborne my fpirits for feveral months 
paft ; or if this fhould not be confident with his holy and 
fovereig-n- will, that I may have grace and ftrength fuffi- 
cient to bear them, and that I may be kept, while under 
them, from wounding the caufe of religion. Son of God, 
intercede for me, that I may not be fuifered to fall, and 
difhonour thy name. 

1 8th. Sundry quiekenings of divine love. Some 
refpite from temptations. Lord, keep me watchful and 
felf-diffident. Received a letter from my brother in 
Bofton, acquainting me that fince my preaching in Portf- 
moiuh, (N. H.) fome of the principal people in that place 
have become my friends. Strange for me ! Almofl 
abandoned to forrow, as I have been, now to rejoice ! A 

C 2 



jo Extratls from Mt\ CrofwelVs Manufcripts* 

letter of comfort ! Good God, keep me humble, and tie- 
liver me from tr lifting in an arm of flefh. Felt fomething 
of gratitude to God, and tears of joy flowed from my 
weeping eyes. 
July $th. Obferved this day with feveral chriftian friends 
at Rowley, as a day of failing and prayer for the fenfible 
efFufions of the Holy Spirit, in a work of conviction and 
converfion. Divine power feemed to come down, upon 
us in a remarkable manner. Several perfons much com- 
forted and overcome, foon after meeting began. Verily 
God is faithful to his promifes. He hath faid and made 
it good, that where two or three are met together in his 
name, he will bs in the raid ft of them. Preached to- 
wards night concerning Jerusalem's broken walls. Neh. 
i. 3, 4. Was much fhut up in mind and weak in body. 
However, was enabled to give a word of exhortation, 
after fermon, wiih, I truft., demonilration of the Spirit, and 
with power accompanying the fame. Lord, make it ef- 
fectual ; for the power is thine, and the glory fh-all be 
thine. Let duft reft filent in the duft. 

pL Sabbath day. In the morning in a ftupid frame, 
generally; but had fome freedom in looking to God to 
afllft me in giving out fpiritual food to his people. Ex- 
pounded in the forenoon from the parable of the prodigal 
fon with fome warmth and affection. Preached in the 
afternoon from thefe words, " When thou pail eft through 
the waters, I wili be with you," &c. Spoke with much 
freedom fome part of the time. An awful and profound 
iilence in the congregation. Towards the dole of the 
difcourfe, was enabled, I truft, to fpeak with demonftra- 
tion of the Spirit accompanied with divine power. A 
remarkable (hewer of divine influence feemed to fail 
upon the people. 1 do not remember to have feen fuch 
an effecl upon a congregation for feveral years paft. All 
glory to God. I hope this is a happy prelude to a 
gracious anfwer to the prayers of his poor fcattered 
flock, who obferved laft Friday, as a day of folenm 
fafting and prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit upon 
this place, and upon God's people every where. Dif- 
courfed towards night on our Saviour's railing Lazarus. 
Spoke with fome freedom, although my body was much 
exhaufted with delivering three dlfcourfes. Wounded 



Ext rafts jrom Mr* Cr of well's Manufcripts, $f 

finners tarried till evening, when I gave them a word of 
exhortation, I trull with tears of love and pity. I was 
contained, feveral times, to entreat them to go to their 
feveral homes, I was fo fatigued with bodily exercife. 
With great reluctance they at length went off with my 
prayers that Chrift might meet them by the way. 

i6/Z>. Have preached fince I left home, June 4, to this 
date, 36 fermons. Lord, water the £qq3. fown with a divine 
blefFmg. To-morrow I expect to obferve as a day of 
fading and prayer with feveral chriftian friends, to 
fupplicate Heaven for the defcent of the Spirit of our 
enthroned Redeemer upon his drooping children in this 

{lace, (N.Rowley;) and alfo upon the whole world. 
..ord, let us not faft for ftrife, or debate, or to fmite with 
the fift of wickednefs ; but may our fafting be fuch as 
thou haft chofen. As we have lately feen deiirable evi- 
dences of eminent anfwers to prayer and private fading ; 
Oh, may we ft ill be believing and praying, that we may 
fee greater things than we ever yet have feen, even mar- 
vellous effufjons of the Holy Spirit in convincing, con- 
verting and quickening influences, amen. Sweetly 
quickened towards evening while walking in the woods 
and praying for the divine prefence to be afforded lis on 
the morrow. Oh, how bleiTed a thing to feel the return 
of the Sun of righteoufnefs after a dark night of defertion 
and temptation ! 

November iSth. Preached this evening in a private 
houfe at Cape Ann ; two hundred people or more 
prefent, among whom there was a great folernnity. They 
appeared, many of them, to hunger and thirft for the 
bread and water of life. Difcourfed from thefe words, 
"When he mall come to be glorified in his faints, and 
admired in all them that believe." People, feeminglv, 
loth to leave the meeting after the clofe o£ the exercife's. 
Preached 8 fermons before I left this place. 

2Sth. Thankfgiving-day, N. Rowley. Preached two 
fermons this day in a private houfe. Firft fermon from 
thefe words, " Endure hardnefs as a good foldier of Jefus 
Chrift ;" in the evening from thefe words, "As for thee 
alfo, by the blood of thy covenant, I have fent forth thy 
prifoners out of the pit, wherein is no water/' Spoke at 
both feafons with much animation, and J hope* clearneiV, 



32 ExtraBs from Mr. CrofwelPs- Manufcrigts* 

Bleffed be God for divine afliftanee. Oh Lord, hear and 
anfwer my imperfect petitions andblefs my weak -labours,, 
Experienced melting love in my foul, fom-e thing like 
heaven's glory. Felt the fouth breezes of the Spirit, in 
retirement, in the afternoon. After preaching, was al- 
moft overpowered with the fweet influences of divine 
love. Glory, glory, glory to God that he fuffers none. 
to go a warfare at their own charges. Was evilly en- 
treated by fome high- profeffbrs. Oh, may I fee and 
humbly fubmit to the holy hand of God therein. 



MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS. 

IT is common for modern pharifees to reverence their 
renowned Rabbies, as did the ancient pharifees, more^ 
than the holy fcriptures. 

It is extremely difficult to beat off pharifees and for- 
malifts from their lying vanities, from their chaff and : 
hufks ; for men can hardly be reconciled to the idea* of be- 
ing deprived of that food which is bed. fuited to their relifh. 

It is only through the- meritorious work of Jefus Chri(t, 
that wretched men are reftored to a ft ate of peace with 
God, and true friend (hip among themfelves. It is this 
which removes the middle wall of partition. 

The legalift reprefents God as difcharging fuch debt- 
ors from condemnation, as make partial payment. 

Saving faith is to be traced up, as its true fource, not 
to argument, or any- conviction of mind arifing from ar- 
gument, nor to any wifdom or exertion of man ; but to 
the power and grace of God, interpofed in a manner, 
and at a time, altogether unexpected- 

The great defign of the gofpel is to manifeuY the glory 
of God, and to debafe the pride of man. It cannot then 
be of human contrivance ; for it is, naturally, the great 
object of man to glorify himfelf, and to dishonour God* 
This requires no laboured proof. 



Extracts from Mr* Gr of well's Manufcrlpts. 33 

The truly enlightened and humble man is not only 
reconciled to, but rejoices in thzfliade* i. e. the fall of 
man; for it is by means of this ihade that a moft beauti- 
ful picture is exhibited, which could not otherwife have 
appeared. 

It is proper to ftyle the gcfpel, by way of eminence, 
THE TRUTH, in oppoiition to all the falfe glories put 
upon it by defigning or ignorant men. 

Men are no further happy than holy, and no further 
holy than conformed, in heart and life, to the divine law. 

It is faid of the load ftone, that it made difcovery of 
itfelf, by its magnetic or attractive quality, to one who 
was in fearch of fomething elfe ; even fo gofpel grace is 
difcovered to men while feeking for a far different object. 
Chrift is found of them, who fought him not, and man- 
ifefted unto them, who afked not after him. 

Proteftants have laid afide the Catholic crucifix, and 
many of the fuperftitious and idolatrous practices of the 
Romifh church ; but what have they, in many places, in 
the room of thefe i A perverted gofpel I 

How zealoufly ought true chriftians to contend for 
the faith once delivered to the faints, fmce the moft infid- 
ious means are ufed, and the greateft exertions made, to 
mingle the froth and poifon of human pride with the 
moft holy faith I 

How many, who preach what they call the gofpel, 
take pains to perfuade their hearers that they received 
their preparatory education, rather at the feet of Seneca 
or Confucius, than at the feet of Jefus Chrift ! 

Minifters are t© tell their hearers what to believe, not 
how to believe. They are to proclaim the truth : Chrift, 
by his Spirit, muft reveal it. 

When the finner comes to the faving knowledge of the 
truth as it is in jefus, he finds that the perfection of his 
former wifdom was the perfection of folly. He is now 






34 Ext rath from Mr. CrofweIVs Manufcripts. 

fatisfied that his wife ft courfe is to believe what he is, 
taught, and to do as he is required in the fcriptures,. 
without murmuring or difputing. 

AH idolatry terminates in felf-ad oration, fince it is 
worfliipping a God of our own making ; for men never 
yet made any image of God, or invented any idea of him, 
but what {Qivcd greatly to debafe the glory of the origi- 
nal, and to elevate their own pride. 

The Pharifees of old had a high refpecl for the letter 
of the law, and fought rightecufnefs by the deeds of the 
law; yet how great was their malice and fpite againft 
Chnft, the great law-fulfiller. and the end of the law for 
rignteoufnefs ! Thus a feigned legal fan&ification always 
bates real gofpel fan&ity. 

The more falfe religion a man pofferTes, the greater 
will be his hatred of the true, and the greater will be his 
difpofition to perfecute the friends of truth ; for, while- 
likenefs begets love, contrariety produces loathing. They, 
who are born after the ffefh, will perfecute thofe who are- 
born after the Spirit. 

By the apoftafy, man's confcience and true happinefs 
are placed in oppofition to each other ; hence the many 
fchemes, which have been devifed.and arts, which have, 
been praftifed, to gag, blind and ftupify confcience. But 
when confcience finds-opportunity tofpeak with bo!dnefs 9 , 
and to .atf the faithful part, the finner can, and is difpof, 
ed to fay to it, as Ahab did to Elijah, " haft thou found 
Hie, Oh mine enemy ? 

Man, in a ftate of moral ftupidity, draws the divine 
character according to his own depraved tafte. " Thou 
thougbteft that I was fuch a one as thyfelf." 

All men, who know not the true God, have no other 
ufe for a God, but to be a help to their pride, and a 
fcourifher of their favourite paffions, 

Horrible perverfion indeed ! to make ufe of the gof- 
pel to httiU up felf, and to cheriflj the pride of the fin- 



Exir ads from Mr. CrofzuelPs Manufcripts. 35 

*er's heart ; whereas the true defign of the gofpel is to 
bring down every high look, and to proftrate in the duft 
every thing, which exalts itftlf* 

Human wlfdcm has been employed, in all ages, to 
fhorten the distance between a holy God and iinful man, 
by fteps of its own taking ; but the gofpel, in itsreprefen- 
taticn of the cafe, totally diifers from all the devices of 
man's wifdom, as it fhews God coming down ail the infi- 
nite diftance himfelf, not to meet man returning to him, 
but to overtake and prevent him, when haftening to 
destruction. Thus God feeks them that are loft. He 
overtakes them> by his faving mercy, when they are run- 
ning away from him* 

Plymouth, July 10th. Having committed my family to 
God, by prayer, fat off on a journey for Providence, 
Lord, fueeeed and profper me, if for thy glory, and pre- 
ferve my life, limbs, health and ftrength. Keep me and 
mine from fin, fickiufs and death. But if this intended 
journey be not for thy glory, O God, prevent it. 

i$ih. Freetown. Greatly comforted this morning in 
reading Dr. Colrnan's and Mr. Cooper's prefiice to Mr. 
Whitefield's fermons, efpecially in reading thefe words, 
" Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, faith 
the Lord of Hofts." I felt immediately bound in fpirit 
to go forward in preaching the everiafting gofpel. I 
felt divinely fortified, and inftantly girt round with the 
gofpel of truth. Tears of love and joy ran down my 
cheeks. Seemed to fee, with an eye of faith, a wonderful 
reformation coming on. Was greatly firengthened alfo 
in reading a ferncon of J. Smith, an excellent fpiritual 
performance. It was written in defence of Mr. White- 
field's doctrine, manner of life, &c. Preached a fermon 
this afternoon, and another in the evening ; fix, fince I 
left home. Lord, who am I, duft and afhes, that unto 
me, who am lefs than the leaft of all faints, is this grace 
given, to preach the unfearchable riches of Chrift. Aw- 
ful ftupidity, generally, among us, particularly with re* 



3 6 ExiraBs from Mr. Crofwell's Manufcrifiis* 

fpec*t to myfelf. Some freedom, however, in my Iaft 
fermon. Oh, that it may not be in vain ! 

\$th. Preached about noon with fweet freedom on 
Zerobabel and Jofliua building the temple ; felt much 
animation myfelf; this alfo was apparently the cafe with 
others. Had a pleating view of the church's rifing. 
Violently oppofed by one of my hearers. Lord, teach 
me every leffon I ought to learn by all thy providences. 

On a Journey e aft ward. 

November 2*]th. Preached three fermons at a private 
houfe in N. Rowley. People now appear dull and ft li- 
pid here. Much ground in religion loft in two years 
paft. 

2%th. Kept a day of fading with this people. Preach- 
ed from thefe words, " Help, Lord, for the godly man 
ceafeth," &c. Preached and prayed with freedom. 
Was much comforted this evening at my lodgings ; 
when retired, felt great difcouragements as to preaching. 
My foul was bowed down. But on looking to Chrift, my 
gracious and compaffionate Mafter, for light and direc- 
tion, my bondage fpirit was taken off* and my foul was 
melted within rne. I felt becalmed, and was enabled to 
make a /renewed dedication of my foul and body to my 
gracious Lord, in the work of the miniftry. BlefTed be 
his holy name, 

30/i. Lodged at a tavern to night, and was gratu- 
itouily entertained. When I firft entered the houfe, 
found about a dozen carnal young men drinking and 
making merry. Felt confcienee bound to reprove 
them. I obferved to them, when God was fhaking the 
earth, and fending peftilence, the fword and captivity 
upon the land, it was no time for merriment, and that* 
in riding fome hundreds of miles, I had not feen fuch 
carnality. I afked them if they were prepared to meet 
God in another earthquake, mould he fuddenly vifit us 
with fuch a judgment. I reminded them that uncon- 
verted perfons had no caufe of merriment, &c. A 
damp immediately fell upon them, and their mad career 
terminated. O God, have mercy upon them, and con- 
Vert their fouls. 

December 1 \th. Sabbath day. At Siratham, (N. H.) 
Preached in the forenoon from thefe words, " Come 



Extracts from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts. 57 

with me from Lebanon," &c. Chriftians appeared to 
be comforted — In the afternoon, from this paffage, 
" We have an un&ion," &c. Preached with animation, 
although my body was very weak. Preached a third 
fermon in the evening to a large affembly, from the fol- 
lowing words, " Out of the eater came forth meat," &c. 
with much affiftance. Oh Lord, water the feed fown. 
In the morning experienced awful damps upon my 
mind, with darknefs, which might be felt. But blefled 
be God, the clouds foon fcattered, and a fpirit of felf- 
dedication to the Lord, in the work of the miniftry, 
enfued. 

1 itb. Obferved this day as a day of fading. To the 
godly it proved a day of feafting. Enjoyed freedom 
in prayer. Preached in the evening from thefe words, 
«' To him that overcometh," &c. One backflider brought 
into glorious liberty under the fermon, which he mani* 
fefted by cries and tears. Several others apparently 
much refreflied. Preached again, in the evening from 
thefe words, ** Sir, we would fee Jefus," to a large col- 
lection of people ; an awful filence among them, and 
deep folemnity vifible on their countenances. It feems 
as if awful trials were approaching. Oh God, prepare 
us, our families, and the land, for thy righteous vis- 
itations. 



Plymouth, February 1 6th. Was this day overpowered 
With the love of Chrift 5 felt heavenly fortification, and 
tears flowed from my weeping eyes. I have not expe- 
rienced fo much heavenly confolation for a long time. 
Welcome, Oh doubly welcome to my foul, after having 
been, for fi'x weeks paft, in fo ftupid a frame, and under 
fuch overbearing temptations, that I have been hardly 
able to pray. Oh, how companionate has my bleifed 
Saviour been to my barren and afflicted foul, in regaling 
me with his heavenly love and tender fympathy ! Ex- 
pounded, in the evening, from Pfalm ex. in a private 
houfe. Began the exercifes with a fpirit of interceflion, 
and melting of foul. Began to fpeak to a large collec- 
D 



gS Extracts from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts. 

tion of people, with much freedom, when feveral perfons 
of distinction came in, from whom I expected oppofition. 
For a fhort time I was feized with, -&nd was under the 
influence of the fear of man ; but I was enabled to look 
to Jefus Chrift, my glorious Matter, to infpire me with 
boldnefsj and, bleffed be his name, I found him a very 
prefent help in time of need. The fear of man was in- 
ftantly removed, and gave place, as I truft, to the fear of 
God. I fenfibly felt a love to every one, but a fear of 
no one. I felt as if I fhould not have been afliamed to 
preach before, and reprove kings. Men appeared in my 
view as grafshoppers. Surely none need ftart afide from 
any fervice to which God calls them, although a lion 
mould be in the way 5 a lion in the ftreets. 

Bo/lon, March i ph. Very cold day. Experienced 
fome breathings of foul after heaven. My brother is 
gone over to Cambridge to attend the execution of a 
Mr. Harrington, a man of about fifty years of age, for 
the murder of a youth. The poor man is to die, and 
launch into a boundlefs eternity, within two hours from 
this time. Oh, gracious God, have mercy on his precious 
and never dying foul ! Sanctify his awful death to his 
wife and children, to all the fpectators, and to all who 
fhall hear of the dreadful cataftrophe. X,ord, deeply ak 
feci: the minifters who may attend him at this awful cri- 
fis. Enable them to fpeak to his confcience and heart, 
feelingly, powerfully, faithfully. And, Lord, blefs and 
fucceed their exertions to the faving of his foul. My 
brother returned. He informs me that the criminal ap- 
peared to have hope and comfort this morning in prif- 
on ; that he appeared with a placid countenance a little 
before his execution, and hopefully died a true penitent. 
And can the penitent murderer have eternal life ? Oh, the 
height, and length, and depth, and breadth of pardon- 
ing mercy of fovereign grace ! From this example let 
none defpair ; but let none p^efume. 



*75$- 



Falmouth, (Cape-Cod,) Jan. \6th. Preached from 
thefe words, " Sir, we would fee Jefus." Spake with life 
and engagednefse In prayer almoft agonized for the 



Extracts from Mr. CrcfwelPs Manvfcripis. 59 

downfal of antichrift's kingdom, and for the univerfal 
building up of Zion. An Indian girl of about 16 years 
of age apparently under deep concern, and a boy of 
about 12 years. A number of people in thefe parts 
under awakening ; others comforted. 

ijth. Sandwich. Preached in the evening to a con- 
fiderable number of people from thefe words, " I am 
come a light into the world, that whofoever belie veth oil 
me mall not abide in darknefs." An awful filence and 
deep folemnity. The power of God was prefent, I trull, 
to heal. People appeared to go away reluclantly after 
meeting. The Indian girl, mentioned above, was pref- 
ent, and received comfort* She appears to enjoy a fweet 
calm. Lord* let her not be deceived, and fuller her not 
to wound the cauie of religion, for Ch rift's fake, 

18//6. Sat off for home, (Plymouth.) Rode feveral 
miles with a chriftian friend, with whom I had pleafant 
and profitable converfation on the things of God. Felt 
my heart warmed, I truft, with holy fire. Returned to 
my family fomewhat fatigued. Found them well, for 
which 1 defire to blefs God our Saviour.. Have been 
abfent on this journey (to Cape Cod) a month, lacking 
a few days ; have preached 42 fermons, and rode about 
200 miles; have feen much of the power of God in 
awakening finners, in the hopeful converfion of fome, 
and in the quickening- of God's children. Lord, keep 
me humble and empty, if it were now afked me, Lack- 
ed you any thing I I muft fay, nothing. I would, there- 
fore, afcribe all glory to divine faithfulnefs. 

28/^. Plymouth. Experienced quickening influences 
of the Divine Spirit whilft reading an account of the 
joyful deaths of young people at Haverhill about 22 
years paft, which were occafioned by the throat-diftem- 
per. Was almoft overcome in reading thefe words, 
H The Lord, the Lord God, gracious and merciful, flow 
to anger," &c. Had a delightful fenfe of the mercy of 
God in Chrift to poor fmners, and felt great love and 
pity to children. Gh, that 1 might be happily in- 
strumental of bringing many of them to Jefus Chrift, 
Have been fweetly comforted in reading thefe words, 
&i To him that overcometh will 1 give to eat of the hid„ 
4zn manna," &c. I know not when I have experienced 



40 EtctraBs from Mr. CrofwelVs Manafcripts. 

greater confolation in reading the word of God. Bleffed 
be its glorious and gracious Author. It has of late, 
generally, been a dull time with me as to fpiritual things j 
but I truft that I now feel heavenly quickenings. Oh, 
how fweetly does the word appear when the Spirit of its 
Author fhines upon it. Oh, how pleafant a favour does it 
give, when the divine Spirit that indited, breathes upon, 
and applies it to the foul ! As the holy Spirit implants, 
lo alfo he excites and quickens our graces. 

Plymouth, Feb. 12th. Was refreshed this morning in 
reading Mr. Flavell's works, and particularly from this 
paffage of fcripture which occurred in the courfe of my 
reading, " I will pour water upon him that is thirfty, and 
floods upon the dry ground," &c. Thefe words were 
the more comforting, as they were fealed upon my foul 
feveral years ago. 

Was informed, this day, that I had lately been loaded 
with reproach and contempt by a young man of diftinclion 
and a profedbr of religion ; that he had fpoken evil 
things of me falfely. Felt a good degree of calmnefs 
under this abufe. Father, forgive him, and may I 
heartily forgive him. Oh, how kind is Jefus Chrift to his 
unworthy, defpifed fervant, to eftablifh and comfort me 
when I endure fhame and reproach ! Through grace it 
is my common expeiience, to find mod of Chrift's fenfible 
and gracious prefence, when furrounded by clouds of 
infamy and difgrace. At fuch times, I truft that I often 
realize the Spirit of God and glory refting upon my 
foul. Preached at the houfe of a chriftian friend from 
thefe words, " I will pour water upon him that is 
thirfty," &c. Towards the clofe of the fermon divine 
power feemed fenfibly to come down. Young perfons 
apparently awakened. Lord, convert them. My heart 
yearned over them, and I wept whilft offering Jefus 
Chrift to their acceptance. Oh God, open their hearts to 
let this king of glory come in. The place was a Bochim, 
a place of weeping. 

Plymouth, May 25. Was comforted this day in read- 
ing the " Chriftian Hiftory," containing very interefting 
accounts of former revivals of religion in New-England, 
and particularly whilft reading Mr. Porter's account of a 
glorious work of God in Bridgewater, alfo Mr. Thacher's 



Extrafts from Mr. CrofweWs Manvfcnpts. 41 

of Middleborough. Experienced wonderful refrefhings. 
Tears of joy, I truft, flowed. ImprerTed with a belief 
that a great outpouring of the Spirit may be near. Have 
lately been much fhut up as to prayer j but found free- 
dom to-day in this exercife in retirement. 

27//;. Sabbath day. A pleafant day indeed as to out- 
ward appearance ; the trees blooming and the birds 
firiging in the branches, as in praife to that God, without 
whofe notice not a fparrow falls to the ground ; and the 
whole creation affuming the robe of beauty. But religion, 
alas ! decaying in this place ; and but few zealoufly en- 
gaged in Zion's caufe. God only knows how, or after 
what fort we are to be vifited. , The Lord prepare us for 
judgments or mercies, as he may be pleafed to difpenfe. 
Wo is me, that I fojourn in Mejhech. Oh God, awaken 
ftupid christians in this place ; pour down thy quickening 
Spirit upon us, and convert or confound all Zion's ene- 
mies through the world, Oh, take every (tumbling 
block put of the way that hinders the progrefs of the 
gofpel, and let Zion's profperity be haftened in thine own 
time and way. 

Aitleboro\ OBoler nth. My mind has, frequently of 
late been (trongly impreffed with anxiety and fears that 
our foldiers would be greatly expofed to danger and 
death ; could fcarcely compofe myfelf to ileep, on this ac- 
count. Wept with pity and fympathy for them, and be- 
fought the Lord to haften the time when wars ftiould 
ceafe to the ends of the earth. Find to-day by the 
newfpaper, that the next day but one after I had been 
weeping with anxiety for our youth expofed to blood, 
that nearly 300 of them had been terribly deftroyed by 
the French and Indians, at fort Ohio. Oh God of battle, 
fanctify thy judgments to our land and nation, and in 
thine own time and way be pleafed, in mercy, to remove 
them. 

14/A. Needham. Preached three fermons to-day with 
great freedom and utterance : deep folemnity and con- 
victions were apparent ; chriftians comforted, and a 
young woman fenfibly awakened. May it pleafe God to 
convert her. 

16th. Natlck. Preached from the parable of the prodi- 
gal fan 5 much folemnity evident on the minds of the 



42 ExtraBs from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcrtpts. 

hearers, and convictions apparent. Preached in the 
evening from thefe words, " Blefled are the pure in 
heart, for chey fhall fee God." People heard as for 
eternity ; feem loth to go home after meeting, and con- 
tinue in a body greatly iblemmzed, waiting for an exhor- 
tation. How pleafant and eafy to preach, when people 
are eager to hear ! 

i pL Preached in the forenoon from the great fu-pper* 
The meeting was folemn and joyful. Divine power 
feemed remarkably to come down upon the people, who 
were melted into tears. A man of about 50 years of 
age was hopefully brought out of darknefs into marvel- 
lous light* who had for fome time before been under the 
convincing operations of the divine Spirit. Left his 
wife under deep concern, with feveral others. Lord, have 
mercy upon them, and make them the fubjects pf thy 
faving love. 

Port/mouthy November \j2\ Preached from thefe words, 
* Lo, I am with you always to tht end of the world." 
Felt, I truft, the feal of the Spirit upon my foul con- 
firming me in the truth of God's word. Experienced a 
very unufual door of utterance, and, I believe of entrance. 
Out of weaknefs I was made ftrong. Enjoyed fuch de- 
lightful leadings of the Spirit, ft feemed as if I could 
have preached through the night. Such a folemnity I 
fcarcely ever before witneffed, rn any audience. After 
the bleffing was given the people fat in a body, and it 
feemed as if they would not depart. I was alrrioft af- 
frighted at the aftoniflung filence which prevailed. Not 
fo much noife was made, feemingly, as would be pro- 
duced by the motion of a woman's fan, amongft nearly 
a hundred people. It feemed as if not only the company 
pf fpearfmen were rebuked, but that Satan was fail 
bound. Glory to God, who is indeed a prayer hearing 
God. 



*759- 

Attkboro*, July 30th. Uncommon freedom, of late, to 
plead with the great Head of the church to go out with 
our fleet and army ; to fight our battles, and to give 
Canada into our hands, JBleffed be God, I really look 



Extracts jr cm Mr. CrofweWs Manufcrlpts. 43 

for that event. Will God fanctify the fame whenever it 
may be accomplished, and prepare us for a great lofs of 
men, which it is likely we ihali fuftain. Preached in the 
afternoon & evening ; the latter fermon from thefe words, 
" Who is fhe that looketh forth as the morning ?' Prayed 
with a wreftling fpirit for the reduction of Quebec and 
Canada, and could take no denial. Divine influences feemed 
to defcend, in fermon time, like the rufhing of a. mighty 
mind. Saw and felt the gofpel like fun beams. The 
room feemed full of heaven. Several, apparently, under 
conviction, and faints comforted. Glory to God alone. 
May the feed fown be abundantly watered. 

Tauntoriy Auguji 5th. Called on Mr. Crocker, who in- 
formed me thatfome revival in religion had lately taken 
place among his people, and that feveral had been hope- 
fully converted. Defirable, animating news ! It is like 
refreshing water to the thirfty foul. 

6th* Preached in the evening to a full congregation 
from the words of our Saviour, "Somebody hath 
touched me," &c. Felt an unufual melting in my foul. 
The people were awfully folemn and heard as for eternity. 
Scarcely ever felt more love to precious fouls than at this 
time, whrlft offering them Chriii and prefling them to ac- 
cept the great falvati-on. 

*jth. Remarkably affifted in morning and evening 
prayer in the family where I lodged. Seemed to have 
much nearnefs to the throne , of grace in wreftling for a 
revival of religion throughout the world. Heard Mr. 

prtich a fermon, apparently, rather to make 

profelyles to modes and forms than to the holy and 
humbling doctrines of the crofs. A wrangling fpirit ap- 
peared among the people after the clofe of the exercifes. 
But, alas ! the tythe, mint and anife of religion were rather 
the fubject of contention, than the weightier matters of 
the law, judgment, mercy and faith. Lord, deftroy all 
party zeal and bigotry under thy whole heavens, and let 
chriftian love, union and fellowfhip be every where 
, cheriihed. Spent the afternoon with the preacher, and 
prayed that light and love might be given us. Lord, 
lead us into all truth. 

8/A. Returned home after an abfence of 18 days* 
having preached 24 feripons. 



44 Extracts from. Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcrip^ 



EXTRACTS FROM HIS EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF 
CANTICLES. 

Chap. i. ver. 7. Tell me, Oh thou, whom my foul loveth, 
where thou feedefl ; where thou makejl thy flock to rtji at 
noon I for why floould I be as one that turneth aftde by the 
Jlocks of thy companions P 

How affectionate^ how endearing and pathetic is this 
addrefs of the fpoufe or church to Chrift her fpiritual 
hufband ! Oh thou, whom my foul loveth ! To real christians, 
Chrift is the object of greater love and more tender af- 
fection, than the deareft earthly ..relatives .and worldly 
enjoyments. To their view he is precious, the chiefeft 
among ten thoufands, fairer than the fonj. pf men and 
altogether lovely ; their love to , him is Stronger than 
death. Tell me where thou feedefl. Here the fpoufe, 
fenfible of her ignorance and need of inftruction, applies 
to Chrift for light and direction. And to whom fnould 
fhe make application, but to him, in whom all the fulnefs 
of knowledge and wifdom dwell. She had, perhaps, been 
haraiTed and bewildered by falfe doctrines and blind 
guides; perhaps had been led aftray by " mother's 
children,'* falfe profeflbrs ; by perfecuting. Cains and 
fcoffing Ifhmaels, with the cry of, Lo ! here, and lo ! 
there is Chrift. Thus fituated, (he feems to be at a lofs 
with refpect to the path of her duty ; and therefore has 
recourfe to her beloved hufband for guidance and dU 
rection. Tell me where thou feedefl. She does not np- 
pear to be perplexed fo much about her love to Chrift, 
and her inter eft in his love, as fhe does about how fhe (hall 
find him in prefent enjoyment, by diicbarging her duty. 
Note. Chrift is faid, Song vi. ver. 2, to feed in his 
gardens, to enjoy the fragrant blolfoms, and tafte the 
pleafant fruits of his church, the fruits of holinefs. Tell 
me where thou makefl thy flock to refl at noon ! Obferve. As 
fhepherds direct their flocks when opprerTed by the vertical 
and fcorching rays of the fun, to ihady groves and cool- 
ing fprings for their comfort and refreshment, even fo 
dees Jefus Chrift the great fhepherd of lfrael, lead his 
fpiritual Jofeph like a flock, when opprefTed by fiery and 
fcorching trials, and wheri alrnoft fainting under them 2 



Extracts from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcrtpts. 45 

to fhady groves of peaceful retirement and reft, and to 
the (till and cooling waters of heavenly confolation. He 
conducts them from the barren and parched wildernefs 
to green and refrefhing paftures. But where ihall I find 
the flock in this happy, happy fituation ! How often Is 
this the paffionate and longing exclamation of chriftians, 
when under defertion and trials ! For why Jhould I be as 
one that turneth afide by the flocks of thy companions P Why 
mould I turn about, or towards another flock- — the flock 
of thy companions, thofe, who by profejton o.dy are thy 
flieep I Oh, my watchful Shepherd, fuffer it not to be: Let 
me never wander from thy true flock, from thofe fheep, 
for whom thou haft laid down thy precious life. Let 
me never be united with thofe other iheep of thine, who 
do not in reality hear thy voice nor follow thy footfteps. 
Such we may confider as the feelings, the deilres and 
language of Chrift's church, or rather of individuals of 
that body, when under defertion, and appear, almoft, to 
themfelves, as fcparated from the true flock of the good 
Shepherd* and to be afTociated with a different flock, the 
flock of nominal prcfefibrs, who are Chrift's companions 
in pretence only. Lord, hear and anfwer all fuch defires 
and prayers of thy chofen ones. May they all keep by 
the footfteps of thy true ilock. And oh, haften the time 
when rivulets and ftreams of love, from the fountain of 
all love, ihall flow through, and abundantly water and 
refrefli all thy garden. Amen. 



CHAPTER 11. VERSE 4. 

He brought me into the banqueting houfe, and his banner over 
me was love, * 

Here the fpoufe in a very ftriking manner defcribes 
her hufoand's love and bounty. He brought me into the 
banqueting houfe. She had before been entertained with 
the rofe and the lily, and with the feadow and fruit of the 
apple tree ; but now (he is brought to a more rich and 
fatisfying entertainment, accompanied with fplendour 
and magnificence. Banqueting houfes of kings and 
princes are magnificent and fplendid buildings, which are 
ftored with the molt delicious wines, and afford the mod 
furaptuous entertainments ; to which none but the king's, 



46 Extracls from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts* 

family and peculiar favourites are admitted} Th<§* 
banqueting houfe of Chrift may be confidered as repre- 
fenting the greats and precious, and faving bleffings of the 
gofpel and all the enjoyments refulting from them. 
It is that furnptuous feaft confiding of fadings, of milk 
and of wine well refined. Nor in this banqueting houfe 
are any found, but the great Matter of the feaft and his 
chofen ones, his peculiar favourites and friends. He 
brought— -her hufband drew her to the feaft ; drew her 
with the cords of ftrong and everlafting love. Here the 
banner of Chrift was raifed on high with this infcription, 
in golden capitals, LOVE, RICH LOVE, EVER- 
LASTING LOVE. To this feaft of fat things, Chrift 
fweetly, yet powerfully draws his guefts. They come 
freely when made willing. "Thy people fhall be willing 
in the day of thy power." Obfeive. God fometimes is 
gracioufly pleafed to admit his children to. a heavenly 
communion, beyond what they ordinarily enjoy in the 
preient life. They are fometimes filled with fuch ftrong 
confolation and animating joy, that they feel fo. abftracled 
from worldly things, they can fcarc^ly tell whether 
tliey are in the body. Such was the happy fituation of 
the holy apoftle, when caught up, as it were, to paradife. 
Such was the bleffed fituation of Peter, James and John, 
when on the mount of transfiguration ; and fuch is, fome- 
times, the happy frame, in a greater or lefs degree, of 
the meaneft chriftian. 

The banqueting houfe may alfo be confidered as a 
type of thofe celeftial manfions, which Chrift has gone 
to prepare for all his elect, who are laid to fit with him 
in heavenly places. As the church, on earth, are com- 
forted with the apples and tender grapes of- the prom? 
ifes, fo, in heaven, they fhall drink the new wine of the 
fpirit. In this banqueting houfe they will be filled with 
this exhilarating wine, and their joy will be unfpeakable 
and full of glory, when the myfteries of electing, re- 
deeming and applying love to their fouls, are opened ttf 
their admiring and ravifhed view. Oh, love, love l T§* 
deeming, incomprehenfible love ! 



Ext rafts from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripis. 47 

I760. 

Rehoboth) Feb. 27th. Before 1 left my chamber 
this morning was comforted by thefe words, " Bleffed 
are the peace makers/' &c. Found freedom in the 
chamber, with a chriftian friend, in praying for the di- 
vine prefence to be with a number of us, at a conference 
appointed for the purpofe of healing, if poffible, an un- 
happy breach between a minifter of this town and one of 
his church, which had fubfifted between them for fev- 
eral years. I was led to look to the Lord Jefus, the 
Wonderful Counfellor and Prince of Peace, that he 
would counfel and direct us to wife and pacific meafures. 
Met in the forenoon with the belief, that we mould have 
a good feafon. Having opened the meeting with 
prayer, I read 14th chap. 1 Cor. which treats of chari- 
ty ; and defcanted on that fuperexcellent grace, obferv- 
ing, that were we clad with it, as with a garment, it 
would happily prevent much difficulty. There feemed 
to be a wonderful fpirit of wifdom given to the brethren 
Light and love feemed fweetly attempered during the 
conference. Believing each party to be blameable, I 
felt myfelf conftrained to adminifter reproof to each, I 
truft with faithfulnefs and with a fpirit of love. One of 
them declared that he believed I fpoke uprightly ; the 
other, a man of about 60 years of age, was melted into 
weeping. All bftternefs and animoiity feemed to fub- 
fide, and a defirable profpecl: of a happy and lading 
peace and friendship opened. My heart leaped within 
me for joy. When once the Spirit of the God of peace 
defcends into the foul, Oh, how pleafantly and fweetly 
does the bufinefs of peace- making proceed ! To thine 
adorable name, Oh, Prince of Peace, be afcribed all the 
praife of the happy termination of this meeting. 
Preached in the afternoon and evening. Many people 
prefent, and a deep folemnity. Oh God, let the word 
fpoken be fanclified to the everlafting good of precious 
fouls. 

Plymouth, May \2th. The afternoon of this day has 
been a bleffed feafon to my foul, although I had been 
much diitrefled and in the dark, in the former part of 
the day, when I was made fenfible of a breach of a moft 



£ 



4$ ExtraBs from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcrlpis. 

folemn refolution, which I made no longer ago than yef- 
terday, at the Lord's table. Oh, what are the ftrongeft 
refolutions, when made in our own ftrength : I truft 
that through grace I was made to loathe myfelf, and re- 
pent as in duft and allies. There is nothing, which has 
fo powerful a tendency to mortify fin, as the love of God 
fhed abroad in the wounded foul. Oh Lord, keep me 
watchful and prayerful, that 1 may not be led into temp- 
tation. Had my way wonderfully cleared up as to my 
contemplated journey to the eaftward. Felt bound in 
fpirit to go thither, and a defire to glorify God in preach- 
ing the gofpel to poor, perifhing tinners. Oh God, go 
with me and make me inftrumental, in thine hands, of 
faving fouls, which are ready to perifli. I love my Maf- 
ter, and the wages he gives me, as I go along. 

1 6th. Having committed my family to the divine 
protection and bleffing, by prayer, fat out on my journey. 

2 2 d. Marfhfield. Preached in this place, in the af- 
ternoon. Copious effufions of the divine Spirit feemed 
to defcend. Ten or twelve perfons were remarkably 
awakened, while I was fpeaking on experimental religion, 
and relating feveral chriftian experiences. A young man 
was remarkably comforted. So great was his joy, that 
he vifibly (hook, for a coiifiderable time, like a man in 
an ague fit. It was, indeed, a fhaking feafon through 
the room. Oh Lord, convert the unconverted tremblers. 

2$th. Bofion. Went with my brother to fee the awful 
defolations, lately made by fire, in this town. The naked 
walls and chimneys preached terror by a dumb, but very 
powerful and impreffive, oratory. I obferved to my 
brother, that God had left, as it were, the print of his 
fingers upon Bo (Ion, and that without a fpeedy reformat- 
ion, I was ftrongly apprehenfive the people would foon 
hear much louder and more awful preaching. But may 
the people learn rightecufnefs, that more awful judg- 
ments may be prevented. 

Berwick,, (xV. H.) June 10. Preached from Rev. iii. 20, 
" Behold, I (rand at the door and knock," &c Spoke 
with life and freedom, and bore teftimony againft the 
dangerous errors of Antinomianifm, which appear to be 
imbibed by fome deluded people in this place. I bore 
folerjm teftimony againft thofe fentiments as anti-fcrip- 



Ext rafts from Mr. CrofiveWs Manufcripls. 4.9 

tunil, and denounced them in the name of the God of 
truth. May fuch fentiments be blafted, wherever they 
exift, under the whole heavens. Amen. 

1 St/j. Obferve this day as a day of fafting and prayer, 
looking to God for plentiful efFufions of his Spirit upon 
our nation and land, and upon the whole world, in a 
univerfal reformation ; alfo confeffing and bewailing cur 
fins, perfonal, family and national. Found freedom in 
exhortation at the opening of the meeting. People at- 
tentive and folemn ; fome inftances of apparent awaken* 
ing. Preached from thefe words, " Come, let us return 
unto the Lord," &c A comfortable feafon. One young 
woman under deep concern of foul. Oh, may fhe foon 
find peace and joy in believing ! 

July $d. On my return home. Enjoyed fpiritual re- 
freshment as I rode in the evening through a woody 
place. Found my family well on my arrival. Bleffed 
be God, my kind Protector and merciful Father, for his 
great goodnefs to us during an abfence of feven weeks ; 
and that we now fee each other in health and fafety. I 
have preached 74 fermons in this time, under bodily 
weaknefs, and rode nearly 400 miles. Have preached 
152 fermons fmce March 16, lafl paft, to this date, July 
3, and rode about 8co miles. And now if it were afked 
me, Lacked you any thing ? I can fay, I have lacked 
nothing. All glory to God alone. Amen. 



I761. 

HolVijlori) March \lh. Preached to a nurnber of fecure 
and hardened people. The word feerned to make no 
impreffion, but rebounded back as from a hard and 
elaftic body. In my fermon, and afterwards, folemnly 
warned the people of their expofure to the awful judg- 
ments of God ; but with little or no effect. On giving an 
exhortation however juft I was about to take leave of the 
houfe, the matter of it, who had been in a ftate of 
(hocking ftupidity, was very powerfully (truck ; the joints 
of his body were loofened, even to trembling ; his ion 
alfo was deeply impreiTed, and another young man, who 
E 



$0 ExtraBs from Mr. Crof well's Manufcripts. 

had been a notorious fcoffer at religion. Surely, power 
belongeth unto God ! When he worketh, who can with- 
stand ? O Lord, have mercy upon their fouls and favingly 
convert them, and to thy name fhall all the glory be 
afcribed. 

14/A. Framingham. Preached on the parable of the 
great nipper ; fpoke with freedom and clearnefs ; felt 
my foul powerfully impreffed after fermon in converfa- 
tion ; and fome others feemed fenfibly moved. In the 
night arofe a very flrong and violent wind, which fo 
fhook the houfe that I was apprehenfive it would be 
blown down. On Wednefday night laft was an earth- 
quake, and now, a wind almoft fufficient to rend the 
mountains. It reminds me of the full fmall voice, and I 
hope to good purpofe. 

15//?. Remarkable freedom in family prayer. Felt 
wreftling of foul for the final downfal of man's wifdom, 
human traditions and will-worfhip, and that every thing 
which lets or hinders the progrefs of ChrirVs kingdom, 
might entirely be put out of the way, or brought into 
fubjection. I felt as if I could take no denial. Preach- 
ed twice to day and once in the evening, with freedom, 
to a large collection of people ; who heared as for eter- 
nity. Some inftances of apparent conviction. Have 
preached 19 fermons from March 8, to 15, and rode 
nearly 1 00 miles. Have feen much of the ptpwer of God. 
All glory to his name. 

Sutton, Aug. 9. Sabbath. Was much fatisfied in hearing 
a young man give a fcriptural and feeling account of his 
converfion, which he informed me took place about two 
months paft, when I preached at his father's from this 
text, " Thy people mail be willing in the day of thy pow- 
er." I was much fatisfied alfo with the relations of four 
others in this place, who have lately I truft been brought 
home to God. The youth, firft mentioned, is between 
13 and 14 years of age. Glory to God, who, out of the 
mouth of babes and fucklings, perfecteth praife. Heard 

Mr. preach in the forenoon from this folemn and - 

alarming paffage, "How fhall we efcape, if we neglect 
fo great falvation ?" He preached in a very impreffive and 
powerful manner. Conviction feemed fenfibly to feize 
the congregation. I offered up the .firft -prayer, and 



Extra&s from Mr. Crofwell's ManufcripU. 51 

truft, through grace, found remarkable affiftance. Oh 
God, keep me ever humble, dependent and watchful. 

Mr. adminiftered the facrament to a fmall number 

of us. To my foul it was a comfo: table and refrefhing 
feafon, although my body was made to fliake with a 
fenfe of divine love. 

" How pleasant, how divinely fair, 

" Oh Lord of hosts, thy dwellings are !" 

Is a fight of Chrift foul-ravifhing, when feen but darkly 
through the glafs of ordinances ? What then mud the 
open vifion of him be in heaven, where will be no inter- 
vening glafs ! Oh, may I never forget my facramentai 
vows, but through grace be enabled to perform them. 

26th. Raynham, Religion, as to the power of it, much* 
declined in this place ; but fe&arianifm has gained 
ground, which is zealous for certain rites andforms, and 
which, I am perfuaded, greatly tends to the deprefllon of 
vital godlinefs. I am indeed bold to fay that goats* 
teeth do not more effectually deftroy green brufli, than 
the four leaven of " Stand by, for I am holier than 
thou." Lord, purge out of thy church this unpleafant 
and injurious leaven, and burn up all the hay, wood and 
ftubble of felf-love and fpiritual pride, in whatever de- 
nomination of chriflians they may be found, by the fire of 
divine love. Suffer us not, Oh God, to. call that com- 
mon or unclean which thou haft cleanfed. 

27/6. Came home pleafantly towards evening, and 
found my family in good health. BlefTed be God for 
his faithfulnefs. Although under bodily weaknefs, I 
have ridden nearly four hundred miles in five weeks, and 
preached fo'rty-feven fermons— -one hundred and one in 
my two lad journies iince the 27th of May, and travelled 
eight hundred miks. And now if it were afked me, 
Lacked ye any thing ? I rnuft fet up my Ebenezer to di- 
vine faithfulnefs and fay, Surely I have lacked nothing ; 
for — 7j have taken the go/pel for my improvement 9 and the 
Lord of ho/is for my inheritance. 



I762. 



lVrentham 9 March nth. I have been much comfort- 
ed this iorenoon, repeatedly, in reading the religious ex- 
periences of a Mrs. Houiman, (England.) Enjoyed 



52 ExtraBs from Mr. CrofweWs Manufaipts. 

pleafant breezes of divine love. Oh, how delightful to be 
thus warmed and refrefhed after having been fhut, as it 
were, out of doors, for fome days paft, as to fenfible com- 
munion with God, except at fome fhort intervals. Oh 
God, fanctify me deeply and ever keep me near to thyfelf. 
Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. 
The fortification, which I have this day felt in my foul, 
is, I am perfuaded, preparatory either for work or war- 
fare. Oh God, as my day is, fo let my ftrength be. 
Have been from home 5 weeks to day, and have preach- 
ed forty-two fermons. Am defirous to go to Sutton. 
My foul has been much in travel for the people in that 
place. The remarkable freedom I had in prayer, when 
taking my leave of them, laft fummer, my foul has ft ill in 
remembrance ; and it now feems to me that there will 
foon be a great reformation in that place, efpecially 
among the young people. 

iztfi: Sutton, Preached from thefe words, " He fhall 
receive of mine," &c. A lively meeting. Am inform- 
ed that a young perfon, of eleven years of age, was hope- 
fully converted underafermon which I preached when I 
was laft in this place. Lord, fuffer her not to be deceiv- 
ed ; fuffer me not to be exalted. Three others, in the 
fame family, are hopefully become the fubjects of the fav- 
ing grace of God within a year paft. Happy, happy, 
family I Glory to fovereign grace. Converfed in the 
evening with feveral chriftian friends, and our commu- 
nion was fweet, while our hearts burned within us, I truft, 
with the quickening flame of heavenly love. How 
empty and infipid is converfation, when it is not feafoned 
with fait, when it favours not of Emmanuel's name and 
the glorious doctrines of his grace ! 



1763. 

Abhgton^ June 17/A. Preached to a large collection of 
people in the evening from thefe words of our Saviour's 
fei men on the mount, " file/fed are the pure in heart, for 
they mall fee God." Spake with freedom and anima- 
tion ; and the affembly appeared folemnized. Lord, 
water the feed fown and give it increafe, for thine own 



ExtraHs from Mr, CrofwelPs Manufcrij>is. 53 

name's fake, and for the glory of thy grace. A confid-, 
erable revival of religion has lately, 1 underftand, taken 
place in this town. The minifter, it is faid, preached on 
elecYion day to two thoufand people. Glory to God for 
every manifeftation of his power and grace. May con- 
verts foon be multiplied as drops of morning dew. 

Smithfield, [Con.) September 7th. Preached in the after- 
noon and evening in this place. Was under great dis- 
couragements from bodily weaknefs ; but was enabled to 
fpeak in the evening with animation and much freedom 
of utterance. Was oppofed by a poor atheiftical man, 
almoft a blafphemer. He talked at fuch an awful rate, 
that I thought it my duty to enter into no controverfy 
with him. To have entered the lift of difputation with 
fuch a man, and in fuch a ftate of mind, would have been 
to caft pearls before fwine. The wrath of controverfy 
worketh not the righteoufnefs of God, nor the edification 
of man. The man appeared much perplexed, but tar- 
lied for a long time talking and ranting in a very un- 
becoming and finful manner. Lord, flop his unhallow- 
ed mouth ; or rather teach him to fpeak for the honour 
of thy caufe and to the glory of thy name. 

13/16. Pa/Ted through Killinglley with a chriftian 
friend, who pointed out to me a tree, by the way fide, 
where a young woman had lately hanged herfelf with 
one of her garters ; and when found, her knees nearly 
touched the ground. Not far from the fame place, and 
nearly at the fame time, a man, formerly of Groton, 
(Con.) had put a period to his life in the fame way. 
They were buried fide by fide. Awful events ! What a 
train of reflections are they calculated to excite ! How 
miferable muft have been their fituation to choofe drag- 
gling and death rather than life ! But how much more 
miferable muft be their prefent fituation ? " No murder- 
er hath eternal life." AfFecling, tremendous confidera- 
tion ! Lord, put a it op to Satan's power and rage. 

25//J. Pre/Ion. Was agreeably entertained with the 
following account, " that a very great and general 
awakening had lately taken place among the people at 
Block Ifland, where are about fifty families, and that 
eight or nine had hopefully been converted." BlefTed 
E2 



54 Extrafis from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripts. 

be God for fuch glad and joyful tidings. Oh, that the 
holy leaven may fpread, and the iflands of the fea be 
converted unto God. 




Plymouth, June 22 J. Have been fweetly comforted 
this day, repeatedly, in reading Dr. Watts* excellent 
fermons on the Witnefs of the Spirit, &c. Keep the day* 
in a meafure, as a day of fading and prayer on account 
of the dark clouds which hang over our land and na- 
tion ; and which fo frequently hang over my own 
foul. Although I can fay, (bleffed be God for it) that 
I am under no flavifh fears or doubts as to my intereft in 
Chriit ; yet I want, I long to live more abundantly to 
the divine honour and glory, the few remaining, days of 
ray wearifome pilgrimage. Oh, for a fhower of fancli- 
fying and quickening grace upon myfelf and family ; 
upon our nation and the whole Ifrael of God. Oh, for 
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in plentiful effufions 
upon all fleih ! 

Newton, July nth, Whilft pleafantly riding this 
morning, thefe words were repeatedly fet home upon my 
foul, " I am the refurreclion and the life ; he that believ- 
eth on me, though he were dead, yet fhall he live." 
Their fweet and powerful influence melted my foul. It 
Lemed as if I mould affuredly fee dead fouls made alive 
in this journey. Spent fome time in converfation with a 
man on religious fubjecls very unpleafantly. Heard from 
him many high founding and empty words. Could enjoy 
no fellowfhip with him. His religion appeared to be 
feated in hi^ head, and to have no influence on his heart. 
Lord, fhine into his foul with heavenly light, and enkin- 
dle his affections with a heavenly fire. How many 
talkative* in religion are to be found, and but mere talk- 
atives ! I cannot qonverfe with pleafure and fatisfaclion 
with men, on experimental religion, who appear neither 
to feel its influence, nor produce its heavenly fruits. 

Augujl $ih. Stratham. Preached on the vifion of dry 
bones. Felt foul travail for poor finners while pre.ach* 



Extrads from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripts. SS 

ing to them, ardently longing that the breath of life from 
God might be breathed into them. Was informed this 
evening that a defired reformation had begun, at Brenu 
wood, near Exeter, where 1 was invited to go and preach. 
If for thy glory, Oh Lord, let it be thus ; otherwiie, pre- 
vent it. 

I do not recollect ever to have feen the work of God 
fpread in the eaitern country as it has lately done, par- 
ticularly in Philipftown, Kennebunk, Wells, &c. All 
glory to God alone. Oh, may the holy leaven fpread 
till the whole lump ihall be leavened. Amen, 

20th. Returned home this day, and found my fami- 
ly well. BlefTed be God for his great goodnels to me 
and mine, during an abfence of a little more than fix 
weeks ; that he has fuffered no evil to befal us, nor any 
plague to come nigh our dwelling ; that none of my 
bones have been broken in a journey of about five hun- 
dred miles. Bieffed be God that lie has enabled me to 
preach upwards of forty fermons, apparently, to general 
acceptance, and I hope not without iorne good effect. 
Lord, forgive me whatever has been diipleaiing to thee, 
as I am fenfible that my duties have been ftained with 
felf and fin. 



EXTRACTS FROM OBSERVATIONS OCCASIONED BY THE 
INTERVIEW BETWEEN KING SOLOMON AND THE 
QUEEN OF SHEBA. 

##** HOW great encouragement have believers to re- 
pair to Jefus Chrift, the glorious king Solomon, with all 
their intricate affairs, and with difficult queftions ? for he 
is the fource and fountain of all wifdom. He is every w T ay 
qualified to remove all their embarraffments, to re- 
folve all their doubts, and fatisfy all their anxious que- 
ries. Oh believer, come and fit at this exalted king Solo- 
mon's feet. Come, unbofom your fouls, tell Jefus, and 
keep nothing back. Tell him all your difficulties, wants 
and defires, not by way of information, but of petition 
and fupplication. Tell him of your fears, your jeal- 
oufies, of the fatanical buffetings, and of the hideous 
and bkfpheruous thoughts which may, at any time, be 



56 Exlra8s from Mr. Crof well's Manufcripts, 






injecled into your minds by the powers of darknefs. Do 
not repeat the particular blafphemies by which you may 
be affailed. Omnifcience already knows them ; but 
fpread them before the Lord, in a general way, as Hez- 
ekiah fpread Sennacherib's blafphemous letter, before 
the God oflfrael. Thus go to the divine king Solomon, 
and plead that he would exert his regal power to effec- 
tually bruife the old ferpent under your feet. Spread 
your family trials and wants before him ; make mention 
of Zion's captivity, that her walls are broken down and 
her gates burnt with fire ; that her ions are divided and 
carried into captivity. Spread before him the calami- 
ties of the nation, occafioned by the overflowings of un- 
godlinefs, earneftly pleading with him tha: he would take 
from us thofe abominations, which are our reproach, and 
to give us that righteoufnef, which mall exalt and adorn 
us. Pray for the destruction of antichrift, by copious 
and univerfal effufions of the bleffed Spirit. Pray, pray, 
pray, and faint not. 

Was the queen of Sheba overcome with wonder and 
furprife in feeing and hearing the wifdom of Solomon ; 
in viewing the meat of his table ; the houfe which he 
had built ; the fitting and order of his fervants, his mm- 
ifters, &c. ? Did a view of thefe things overpower animal 
nature, and caufe her even to faint, till there was (appa- 
rently) no more fpirit within her ! Oh, daughters of Zion, 
go forth and behold a greater than Solomon, even the 
eternal wifdom of God, the Prince of Peace ; admire 
his glories, contemplate his divine beauties, till your 
ravifned, fainting foul (hall be conftrained to cry, Stay, 
oh, ftay us with flagons. 

Oh believer, behold the houfe which eternal wifdom 
hath built, a temple infinitely more glorious than was 
the temple of Solomon. What was Solomon's temple, 
although enriched and adorned with Ophir's pure and 
burnifhed gold, when compared with the temple inhabited 
by God's eternal Son ! What were the large and beautified 
ftones, in Solomon's temple, when compared with Jefus 
Chrift, the chief corner ilone, in God's ipiritual build- 
ing ! What were the inward adornmgs of the temple, 
what were all its magnificent and fplendid beauties, in 
comparifon with the glorious godhead dwelling in the 



ExtraSs from Mr. Crofwell's Manufcrtpts. 57 

manhood of Jefus Chrift ; which the mod exalted fer- 
aph in heaven cannot behold, but with veiled face, nor 
contemplate, but with the lowed proftration ? 

What were the rich and dainty meats of Solomon's 
table, but the purchafe of filver and gold, and what his 
moft delicious and cheering wines, but the extraction of 
the grape ! When compared with the flefh and blood of 
Chrid, how cheap, how mean and tadelefs mud they ap- 
pear, O believer, to thy foul ! What was Solomon's at- 
tention and kindnefs to Shaba's queen, whofe wealth 
was equal to all the expenfes of her royal date, when 
compared with the kindnefs and liberality of Jefus Chrid, 
who gives to believers his own flefh to eat and blood to 
drink ; who enriches them, being poor, and exalts them 
though mean and abafed, to fit with him in heavenly 
places ?" The food which the queen of Sheba partoolc, 
at Solomon's table, could only nourifh the body, and for 
a little feafon 5 but the food which Chrid gives nourifh- 
es the foul unto everlading life. What was the fitting 
of Solomon's table, his miniders of date, their royal ap- 
parel, t*ie decoration of his cup bearers, and all the 
fplendour of his court ? Thefe, indeed, were dazzling 
and captivating to nature's eye ; but when compared 
with the King of glory, his table, his miniders, his at- 
tendants and fetvants, how mean and infignificant are 
their appearance ! Oh, the transcendent beauty and the 
excellent glory of this divine king Solomon. Oh, the 
beauty of his houfe, the harmony of his table, the rich 
apparel of his miniders and ambafTadors ! What is the 
fine linen of Egypt, compared with the perfectly white 
robe of righteoufnefs with which his miniders, his cup- 
bearers and all his fervants are clothed ! And what was 
the glory of Solomon's afcentinto the fplendid and mag- 
nificent temple which he had built, in comparifon with 
the glorious afcenfion of Chrid into the heavenly temple 
made without hands \ How dr iking and fublime is the 
defcription which David gives of this afcenfion of Chrid ! 
" God has gone up with a fhout, the Lord, with the 
found of a trumpet. Sing praifes to God, fing praifes ; 
fing praifes unto our King, fing praifes ; for God is 
King of all the earth ; fing ye praifes with underdand- 
ing." Solomon afcended into an earthly temple as 



58 Extra8s from Mr. Crof well's Manufcripis. 

king of the literal Jerufalem ; but Chrift afcended into 
the heavenly temple as King over all, blefled forever. 
As king Solomon went into the earthly temple and 
fpread forth his hands in fupplication to God, in behalf 
of the temporal Jerufalem, fo Chrift is gone into the ho- 
ly place, even the holy of holies, and by his prieftly of- 
fice maketh continual interceftion for the fpiritual Jerufa- 
lem, all the citizens of the fpiritual Zion. Oh, how infi- 
nitely precious and powerful is theatoningfacrificeand the 
interceflion of our great andglorious high Prieft, who hath 
pailed into the heavens, by which eternal redemption is 
procured, and gifts for men, even for the rebellious. With- 
out controversy great is the myftery of godiinefs ; God 
was manifeft in the flefh, juftified in the Spirit, feen of an- 
gels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the 
world, received up into glory. Amen. 



1766. 

Brentwood^ (N. Hampjhire) April 26. Preached from 
thefe words of our Saviour, " I am the way." Before 
meeting, was much fhut up ; but was enable through 
grace to fpeak, I truft, with life and clearnefs, and people 
feerned to bow before the word as willows by the water 
courfes, and to hear as for eternity. I know of no place 
in N. England, at prefent, where God is fo fenfibly and 
remarkably at work as in this town. In one family, 
which had been exceedingly ftupid in a religious view, 
three of the number give defirable evidence, that they 
have lately become the trophies of divine and all-con- 
quering grace, viz. the heads of the family, nearly 50 
years of age, and a daughter. All glory to Gocl alone. 
Preached another-fermon from " The anchor of hope," 
and a third from thefe words, "Saw ye him, whom my 
foul loveth ?" A large collection of people prefent, num- 
bers of whom were fo deeply impreffed, that it was with 
difficulty I left them between meetings for a fliort repofe, 
and to eat my neccflary food- Not only young, but 
married people were crying for mercy while tears flowed 
from their weeping eyes. Oh, thou Son of David, have 
mercy upon them ; pour the bairn of healing confolation 
into their bleeding hearts ; and although their weeping 



Extra8s from Mr. CrofwelPs Mjnufcripts. 59 

may endure for the night, Oh let joy and confolation 
come to their fouls in the morning. In three weeks have 
preached 31 fermons, 24 in Brentwood, 3 in Plaftow, 2 
in Stratham, and 2 in Kingiton. Oh Lord, water the 
{QQd fown, that it may fpring up and bring forth much 
fruit to the glory of thy fovereign grace. 



I7O7. 

■ Epplng, (N. Hampfbire) October 11. A little before 11 
o'clock, A. M. as I was travelling through a woody 
place, toward Newmarket, the weather being clear and 
pleafant, 1 heard an earthquake very dl&in&ly; the 
noife was loud and of about a minute's continuance. 
My foul was folemnized as though I had heard the voice 
of God Oh may this event be deeply fanctified to my 
foul, and to the whole land. We are told that the earth 
trembled and lhook, becaufe the Lord was wroth. Is 
not this a token of God's difpieafure with the finful, fin- 
fill people of this land. Is it not a harbinger of fome 
awful approaching judgment, if this people fhould not 
hear, and fear, and learn righteouihefs ? Oh, that this 
warning call might be inftrumental of awakening fmners, 
and of leading them ,0 repentance ; of aroufing- fleepy 
virgins, and of quickening them to trim their lamps. 

20th. United with feveral chriftians in obfervino- 
this day, as a day of fading and prayer, that we might 
be duly feniible of, and deeply humbled under our great 
and crying fins, national, family and peribnal ; and par- 
ticularly, that the late earthquake might be fantfined 
unto us. My foui was greatly enlarged and fweetly drawn 
out in feveral exhortations. Spent confiderable portion 
of our time in prayer. Oh, that it might not return void, 
but avail much. Preached in the evening from this 
petition of the Lord's prayer, " Thy kingdom come," 
with animation, and, I truft, fome clearnefs. Our fading 
feafon was a feafon of refrefhing, and, I truft, feafting to 
our fouls. How much more nourifliing is fpiritual, than 
temporal bread ! how much more pleafant in tafte, and 
how much more durable in its effects ! Lord, evermore 
give us this bread,: 



6© Ex lra&s from Mr* CrofwelVs Manufcripts* 

1768. 

AJfawamfdt, (Old Colony) Sept. 4. Preached twice in 
this place, with freedom and life, to a large collection of 
people. Chriftians complain of very great deadnefs in 
thefe parts for feveral years pail: ; a hopeful fymptom of 
returning life and animation. 

ph. Preached in the afternoon at Majmaresneck. It 
was an agreeable and lively meeting. Chriftians feem- 
c.d much revived and comforted. Have not, for a 
confiderable time* w T itnefTed a more animating and melt- 
ing fcene. A heavenly cloud feems to be gathering over 
this place, promifing a copious and refreshing rain ; and 
the fields feem whitening to the harveft. 

nth. Preached in the evening from this text, " Wif- 
dom hath builded her houfe ; (lie hath hewn out herfev- 
en pillars." The feafon was folemn, and deep impref- 
fions feemed to be made on the minds of numbers. I 
could not but notice that this paffage was powerfully 
imprefTed upon my mind* juft before I began to preach, 
which induced me to relinquifh the text from which I ex- 
pected to difcourfe. It belongs to the great Mafter to al- 
lot to his rniniftering fervants the diftinct work he would 
have them to perform ; and ic becomes them, with a 
waiting and obedient eye, to look to him for the intima- 
tions of his pleafure* I think I can fay, from happy ex- 
perience, that God ever gives his blefling, when the eye 
is fingle, and looks not at felf, but his glory. But I am 
fully and joyfully convinced that God muft give, or I 
mail never pqflefs, nor fee with this eye, which makes 
the body to be full of light. 

Heard of the death of a dearly beloved friend and 
cbriftian minifter, aged 56, which took place about a 
month pad. Blefied, Me fled are the dead, who die in 
the Lord; for they (hall reft from their labours and 
their works do follow them. He was a meek, humble 
and conscientious man, and a faithful labourer in the 
vineyard of his divine Mafter. I was intimately ac- 
quainted with him, for feveral years, and he was dear to 
my foul. Lord, fanctify to me this affecting vifitatlon of 
thy holy providence ! fanctify it to the, family and all 
the acquaintance of the dear deceafed ! Oh, fanctify it to 



Exlrads from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcrtpts. 61 

his bereaved church and people ; and may the feed, 
which he has diligently fown, be productive of a plenti- 
ous and joyful harveft. 

nth. Returned to my family after an abfence of elev- 
en days, having preached 19 fermons, and in general, 
I truft, with divine and animating affiftance. Oh God, if 
for thy glory, blefs my labours to the falvation of pre- 
cious fouls, for ChrihVs lake. Amen. 



1769. 

Boflon, June II. Sabbath day. Heard my brother 
preach both parts of the day. The holy facrament was 
adminiftered, of which I partook. Enjoyed, I truft, fen- 
fible tokens of the divine prefence. BleiTed be my God 
and Saviour. I preached in the evening from the fol- 
lowing paffage, " Through the tender mercies of our 
God, whereby the day fpring from on high has vifited 
us." The feafon was folemn, the meeting full, and 
God, I truft, was prefent of a truth. The word feemed 
to run, through rich grace, like a river of oil. 1 had 
been much pained, through the day, with a forenefs in 
my throat, and I felt as if I had the fentence of death in 
me, that I fhould not truft in myfelf, but in him, who 
raifeth the dead ; but 1 foon experienced great relief as 
to my throat, and found my debilitated body greatly 
ftrengthened. All glory to my merciful healer. Veri-~ 
ly, none goeth a warfare at his own charges. How of- 
ten do I realize the truth of the apoftle's remark, 
" When I am weak, then am I ftrong." Surely God is 
a very prefent help in time of need. 

\ph. Early this morning walked to the common, 
where I faw two regiments of regular troops perform a 
variety of military exercifes and evolutions, Their ap- 
pearance was beautiful, and their various manouvres 
were performed with aftonifhing uniformity and exactv 
nefs. What a train of reflection was excited in my 
mind ! and how did my foul long that Z ion might look 
forth as the morning ; fair as the moon, clear as the fun, 
and terrible as an army with banners. Lord, haften this 
glorious event in thine own time and way.. 
F 




6l ExtraBs from Mr.CrofweWs Manufcrlpis. 

Raynham, Au^vjl 10. Preached in the afternoon from 
thefe words, " He that hath the bride is the bride- 
groom/' &c. I truft that I fpake under the leadings 
and teachings of the Spirit of truth. Things new and 
old were brought to my mind, and a wide door of ut- 
terance was opened to me. How eafy and pleafant is 
it to preach, when God atiifts ; but oh, how hard and 
nnpleafant, without the fenfible prefenee of Chrift, and 
the affiftances of his Spirit. How fafe to preach what 
the divine Spirit has indited ; but how dangerous to in- 
culcate what human wifdom hath invented i Alas! how 
much has human wifdom crowded iiito our worfhip, 
which, by many, is accounted divine, and in this way 
damped the flame of holy zeal and excluded the power 
of true godlinefs I Vital religion feems, in mod places, 
to have degenerated into a cold and lifelefs form. We 
indeed fee the fhadow, but alas ! where is the fub- 
ftance ? A reformation feems almoft as neceiTary now, 
as it did thirty years paft. Oh Lord, revive thine own 
work, in the rnidft of thefe years. Oh, be merciful to 
us, and let our times be times of refrefhing from thy 
glorious prefence. Come, Lord Jefus ; oh come in 
Penteccft effufions of thy Spirit. Even fo come, Lord 
Jefus, come quickly. Amen and Amen. 



1770. 

Chatham, (Cape Cod) May 19. Preached two fermons 
in this place ; the latter, with much freedom. Felt love 
to fouls, and found a marvellous door of utterance. 
The gofpel feemed to fhine as with fun beams, and the 
people to hear with interested and very folemn attention. 

20th. Sabbath day. The houfe where 1 preached 
was crowded with people, who heard as for eternity. 
Mr. N. baptized an adult perfon who had not been bap- 
tized in infancy. I faw the baptift or baptizer, and the 
baptized both go down Into the water and come up out 
of the water. Between thefe two events, the fubjedr. re- 
ceived baptifrn by— fprinkltng. The tranfaclion appeared 
exceedingly folemn. I do not recollect ever to have feen 
a perfon baptized in that circumftantial manner before ; 
but it appears to me conformable to apoftolic practice. 



Extrafts from Mr* Crof well's Manufcrtpis. 63 

23^. Was much quickened this morning while at 
breakfaft ; faw the need of love or chanty among chris- 
tians, and was made very fenfibie of my own defects 
with relation to that fuperexcellent and heavenly grace. 
Felt willing to give Satisfaction to any of rny fellow 
christians, wherein I had, in any meafure, and at any 
time, grieved or offended any of them, through a warm 
and uncharitable temper. My foul was frequently melt- 
ed into tendernefs. Preached in the afternoon with 
much fenfibility and affection. The word I truft reach- 
ed the hearts of fome. Oh, that it might profper ! 
Preached again in the evening. I have now, in 2 1 days, 
preached 36 fermons. BlefTed be God, who has fup- 
ported and carried my weak body through fo much la- 
bour and fatigue. Surely they who wait upon the Lord 
do renew their ftrength, as the eagle. I humbly truft 
that I have often realized the truth of this encouraging 
declaration. 

24^. Came home from my Cape journey. During this 
journey faw numbers awakened, and chriftians fweetly 
comforted and confirmed. I have preached fmce the 
firft of January, in two journies upon the Cape, upwards 
of 130 fermons, and about 40 on a journey to Bofton, 
notwithstanding my bodily weaknefs, often infirmities, 
and frequent colds. When I reflect: upon what I have 
performed, and been carried through, and upon the frefh 
recruits I have experienced, both bodily and fpiritual, I 
am aim oft a wonder to myfelf. I defire to pen down 
thefe things with a view only to the glory of God, upon 
whom I have been wholly dependent. 

Since the great earthquake, Nov. 18, 1755? I have 
preached more than 300 fermons a year, befides riding, 
in each year, nearly 3000 miles ; and yet, through the 
good hand of God upon me, none of my bones have 
been broken. And now, if it were afked me, Lacked you 
any thing \ I can fay, I have lacked nothing. 

I leave the above as my teftimony to the truth and 
faithfulnefs of God. 

Joseph Croswell. 
Thurfday^ May, 1770. 



&f Extrafts from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts. 

P. S. I truft the Lord has converted fome fcores of 
people on the Cape fince Jan. laft ; a confiderable num- 
ber of whom were middle aged ; and feveral men with 
their wives. Among the hopeful converts is to be num- 
bered one man, nearly 80 years old, and 3 Quakers. I 
4 know not but fome hundreds of people were under feri- 
ous impreffion, the laft winter. The religious attention 
has been chiefly confined to the fouth fide of the Cape, 
from Chatham to Bafs Ponds, in Yarmouth. Dancing 
and frolicking have been entirely broken up wherever 
.this attention has prevailed, and the works of darknefs 
*}*avc difappeared. 



1772. 

Bafs Ponds, (On the Cape) Jan. 1. A new year this day 
commences. God grant it may be a year of Jubilee. 
Found freedom in prayer in the morning, that this might 
be the happy event. BlefTcd be God for his abundant 
goodnefs to rne, and my family, and our nation, in the 
courfe of the year paft. And, oh God, forgive us all 
our fins, national, family and perfonal. Should it pleafe 
thee tofpare our lives another year, oh, that they may be 
fpent more abundantly to thine honour and glory than 
they ever have been, any year, . heretofore. Oh God, 
grant it for ChriiFs fake. Amen, 

gth. Warwick. Religion feems to revive, again in 
thefe parts, and yet I verily believe that fe&arianifm has 
become fo rigid, in fome inftances, as to injure the caufe 
of gofpel charity or true religion. A young man, too 
much under the influence of this unhallowed leaven, and 
fenfible of the truth of the above remark, made an open 
and public confeffion of his fault. An excellent example 
for imitation. May the time foon come, when bigotry 
and uncharitablenefs, in whomfoever it may be found, 
may thus be confeffed and forfaken. 

lzth. Sabbath day. Saw three children baptized. 
The adminiftration of the ordinance was apparently 
accompanied with divine and powerful influences. I 
feniibly felt ray foul drawn out, juft before the admmif- 
tration, to Jefus Chrift, fupplicating the feal of his Spirit 
.upon ths ordinance. Blefied be his holy name, I can- 



Extra&sfrom Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripis. 6$ 

not but hope, that the Amplication was acceptable to 
him, and that a merciful anfwer was vouchfafed. 

1 have enjoyed ftrong and delightful confolations on 
this journey in feeing a number of fouls awakened, and 
in hopeful views of the near approach of a great and 
glorious revival of religion. Lord, haften the glorious 
event. Oh, may thy kingdom foon come, and will be 
done in earth, as in heaven. Amen. 



Salem, (Mafs.) April \Jl. Preached in the evening in 
a large warehoufe, which had been fitted up for religious 
meetings, to a very large concourfe of people. Some 
hundreds were thought to go away for want of room. 
Lord, evermore keep me humble ; deliver me from the 
influence of fpiritual pride, and preferve me from the /»- 
fedtous and poifonous breath of popularity. 

§th. Lynn. Preached in the evening from thefe 
words, " Behold the Lamb of God." A young gentle- 
man, a fchool mafter from a neighbouring town, was 
providentially at the meeting. He appeared deeply af- 
fected under the word preached, and afterwards obferv- 
ed that I had reached his particular cafe. Lord, faften 
the truth upon his foul like a nail in a Aire place. The 
young man would not leave the houfe, but tarried till 
the next day. Oh, how wonderful and myfterious are 
the methods of divine Providence ! How harmoniously 
do they confpire to accomplifh the divine word and will I 
Chrift muft needs go through Samaria. And his mean- 
eft difciple muft follow his fteps to accomplifh his defigns. 
Of him, and to him, and through him are all things ; 
to whom be glory forever. Amen. 



J 775- 

N. Bridgewater, July 19th* Preached three fer- 
mons in this place. Serious attention apparent among 
the people. This day is obferved as a fait through all 
the ftates. Oh that it may be an acceptable day to the 
Lord. Will God, in mercy to the land, give a fpirit of 
F2 



66 ExtraSs from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcrlpiu 

prayer and repentance to his perfecuted and affii&eu 
people. For the cry of the poor and for the fighing of 
the needy, may the Lord arife, and, in his own time and 
way, fet them in fafety from thofe who unjuftly rife up 
againft them. 

Augufl ifi. Plympton. My fon leaves us this day for 
the army. Oh God, cover his head, if called to it, in the 
day of battle. Let him not die, till by faith he hath feea 
the Lord's Chrift. My foul, I truft, committed him to 
God ; and I parted with him in a calm and tranquil date 
of mind, praying for the bleffing of God upon our army* 
and that he would fight our battles for us, and deliver 
us from our oppreffors. Am perfuaded that God will 
thus appear for us. Amen. 



COPY OF A LETTER TO MR. J. B , MINISTER IN PERS* 

PITANK COUNTY, (NORTH CAROLINA) DATED PLY- 
MOUTH. 

Dear Slr f 

I have received your kind letter, which now lie_s 
before me. I have read the contents with much fatis- 
faction, and am defirous that the correfpondence between 
us mould be kept up, if the Lord will. 

Your account of the rife and progrefs of religion in 
North Carolina is wonderful, and was undoubtedly be» 
gun and carried on by Jefus Chrift, that wonderful 
Counfellor and mighty God, by inftruments of his owa 
choofmg ; inftruments, by whom, to ftill the enemy and 
avenger. 

I rejoice to hear that the wildernefs begins to bloffom 

-as the rofe ; that North Carolina and Virginia are 
.ftretching out their hands to embrace the all-conquering 
Redeemer. May the handful of fpiritual corn, upon the 

.mountain of Zion, increafe to a rich and abundant har- 
veft, waving with pendant ears, like Solomon's fruitful 
fields of Lebanon. 

Dear Sir, arife up to the harveft, for the fields fecm 
already white, and, with diligence, ufe your threftiing 
inftruments. We muft not think much of fweating ia 

'faarvsft time, for it kfts but a ftnall par; of the year. 



Eatita&i from Mr. Crojivell's Manufcriptt. £«'" 

Oh, may you be well inftrufted in your employment, 
that you may bring forth things new and old. May tht? 
energy of the divine Spirit accompany your miniikrial 
labours, without which they will be in vain. 

Dear Sir, God has promifed to be with his faithful 
miniftering fervants to the end of the world. Precious, 
animating promife ! Bleffed be God, that he has enabled 
you lb to lay hold of this promiie, as to face a frowning 
world, in vindicating and maintaining the main doc- 
trines of grace, in oppofition to that dangerous and de- 
itrucuve doctrine of Arminianifm, which advocates " free 
Will- in the unregenerate, to perform works of real 
righteoufnefs, to the divine acceptance. 

It is no wonder that the world, the flefli and the devil 
oppofe the doctrines of free and fovereign grace, which 
are fo diametrically oppofite to the fl efli-pleafing doc- 
trine of judication, in whole, or in part, by works which 
our own hands have wrought. Corrupt nature makes 
men Arminians ; but regenerating grace, alone, makes 
them real and humble chriftians. 

You wrote me that the people, who had fo many 
years been milled by falfe dodnnes, talked of leaving 
you, when you infixed upon the do&rines of eternal, un- 
conditional election, &c. Nor were it to be wondered 
at if they had. It is enough for the difciple to be as his 
Mailer. Did not Jefus Chrift preach away almoft all 
his hearers ? Were not even his twelve difciples juft up- 
on the remove, when he thus addreffed them, " Will ye 
alio go away 1" But, my dear friend, let not the threats 
of an ungodly world ; let none of thefe things move you. 
The way of duty you will always find to be the way of 
fafety When the fear of God comes in, the fear of man 
goes out ; and when you love every body, you will fear 
no body. 

Preaching, that does not difturb the devil, and the un- 
fanclified paffions and affections of men, will do no good. 
Smooth preaching, and fmooth prophefying can but a- 
mufe the ear, engage the attention, footh the carnal 
mind and ftupify confcience. But oh, the dreadful con- 
fequence ! It leads to deftruclion. The kingdom of 
Chrift and the kingdom of Satan are diametrically op- 
pofite to each other ; fo that what is agreeable to the 



68 ExtraBs from Mr, Cr of well's Manufcripis. 

fuhjscts in one of tbefe kingdoms, rauli of courfe be dif- 
agreeable to the fubjects in the other. 

I rejoice to hear that fo. many churches and congre- 
gations, among you, newly gathered from thofe regions 
of darknefs where popifh and Arminian principles have 
fo long prevailed and triumphed. May their number 
and graces be greatly increased ; and may the great 
Lord of the ha*veit, in his own time and way, furniih 
fuch flocks, as are deftitute, with pallors after his own 
heart 

I doubt not, dear Sir, but the account which you 
have lent me will make glad the hearts of Chrift's real 
minifters and fnends, who may be made acquainted 
with it, in thcfe parts. Let me entreat you (till to be 
fervent in fpirit ; ftill to contend earneftly for the faith 
which was once delivered to the faints. Be not weary in 
well doing. Hold up and itrenuoufly advocate the glo- 
rious doctrine of eternal election in your fermons : for 
_fhould that but be taken away, and I am bold to de- 
clare, that the glory of the gofpel would be totally 
eclipfed, and its grace would difappear. The doctrine 
of eternal and particular election, and the grace of the 
gofpel are doctrines, which mutually agree and harmo- 
nioully embrace each other. Indeed their connexion is 
necefTary and infeparable. 

Let us infift much on man's deplorable ltate by the 
fall ; his utter inability to extricate himfelf ; his unwil- 
lingnefs to be faved by free gofpel-grace ; his juftifica- 
tion, inftrumentally, by faith alone, cleaving to Chrift's 
righteoufnefs, which is upon all, and equally upon all 
them that believe. Let us alfo infift upon the neceffity 
of fanctification, or imparted holinefs infufed into the 
hearts of the elect in regeneration, and carried on by the 
Holy Spirit dwelling and operating in the inner man, in 
connexion with final perfeverance and eternal glorifica- 
tion. Thefe things, dear brother, as they are fcripture 
doctrines, constantly teach and affirm ; and may the 
God of grace remarkably own and blefs your labours in 
his vineyard. 

May you be honoured as a happy inftrument in feed- 
ing Chrift's fheep and lambs, and in bringing many fin- 
aers to the knowledge and acknowledgment of the troth 



ExIraS s from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts. 65. 

as it is in Jefus. And having turned many to right- 
eoufnefs, may you fhine as the firmament, in brightnefs, 
and as the ftars forever and ever. So prays your un- 
worthy brother and fellow labourer in the Lord's vine- 
yard, JOSEPH CROSWELL, 



1776. 

May 3. BroolUne. Preached twice this day. The 
meetings were lively and agreeable. The fanctuary wa- 
ters, through grace, rofe pleafantly and fweetly. People 
were melted into tears of joy. Oh, how good and delight- 
ful it is for brethren to dwell together in unity : It was, 
through rich grace, as one of the days of heaven to our 
fouls. Blefled be God for all our prelibations and fore- 
taftes of Canaan's fruit, while journeying through the 
wildernefs, to that heavenly country. 

As I was journeying from Bofton flopped in Charlef- 
town, and took a furvey of Profpecl Hill, formerly own- 
ed by my father, and the place of my nativity ; viewed 
the manfion houfe, which I found turned into a fort of 
garrifon. I then proceeded to the common, and took a 
view of the fortifications on Bunker's, Cobble, Plow and 
Winter's hills, and of the fituation of the town in general, 
which was lately, in a wanton and unfeeling manner, 
burnt by the enemy, whofe tender mercies were cruelty. 
While viewing this affecting fcene, my mind was deeply 
impreffed with this melancholy description of the Pfalm- 
ift, " He turneth a fruitful land into barrenefs, for the 
wickednefs of them that dwell therein ;" alfo with the 
words of the prophet, " Zion fhall be ploughed like a field, 
and Jerufalem (hall become heaps." How ftrikingly 
have thefe defcripcive reprefentations been accomplished 
in this place i Oh, for a fancthied improvement of the 
fame. 

5//^. Maiden* Was enabled in family prayer, th*s 
evening, fervently to pray God that he would in mercy 
deliver his people from the hand of the oppreffor ; when 
I was fweetly comforted and confirmed by thefe words, 
of the prophet, " As birds flying, fo will the Lord of 
ho(t> defeat jeruuiieiri ; d^fesdmg alio, he will dulve. 



70 BxiraBs from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripts* 

it, and paffing over, he will preferve it." I did believe 
that God would, as it were, hover round America, as 
birds, flying round their young, to defend them. Oh 
God, thus be our defence for thy name's fake. Amen. 

Brentwood, (N. H.) June. Experienced love to 
fouls in preaching from Rev. xxii. i, 2. While fpeak- 
ing on the river of the water of life, and on the tree of 
life, my love to God and man was very fenfible. Oh, 
how pleafant it is to love the Lord our God with all our 
hearts, and our neighbour as ourfelves. The prejudices 
of people in this place and vicinity greatly fubfide. 
Oh, may the happy time foon arrive, when all wicked 
prejudices and prepoffeffionsfhallgive place to thofe views 
and affeclions, which are without partiality and without 
hypocrify. Have lately preached at Portfmouth, where 
I have not preached before for feveral years, becaufe he 
that letteth ath been fuffered to let. But the hinder- 
ances, which have heretofore exifted, are now taken 
away. Bleffed be God. When the great Zorobabel, 
who has the key of David's houfe, openeth the door for 
a free courfe of the gofpel, neither men nor the powers 
of darknefs are able to (hut it. Enjoyed a pleafant and 
comfortable feafon. Sweet refrefhing in prayer. 
Through grace the fancluary waters role from the an- 
cles until they became almoft a river to fwim in. 

6lh. Stratham. Preached in the evening. How 
pleafant and eafy is this fervice, when people flock to 
the word, and hear with eager attention, as they now do 
in this place. Cannot but believe that a reformation is 
at the door ; for the fons of Zion take pleafure in her 
ftones, and favour the duft thereof. I find my foul lately 
much revived and drawn out in love to precious immor- 
tals. Oh, may their immortal intereft be fecured. 

Spent feveral days in preaching at Stratham and Ex- 
eter ; and hope, through fovereign grace, with fuccefs. 
Chriftians appear quickened and comforted, and the cry 
feems to be, Come over to Macedonia and help us. 
Lord, who am I, vile duft and aihes, that I mould be 
inftrumental of feeding Chrift's fheep and lambs ? Oh, 
may I ever feel dependent, huriible and felf-abafed. It 
appears as if the fields were whitening to the harveft, in 
New Hampfhire, for many miles round. Lord, thruft 



Extras s from Mr. Crof well's Manufcripts. 71 

forth faithful labourers. Through grace I feel bound 
in ipirit to go and labour in thole fields. May the di- 
vine prefence be with me wherever I go. Have been 
greatly favoured in reading the fcriptures and in fa.vily 
prayer, with divine manifestations. In thefe exercifes, 
I have, almoft every morning, for fome time paft, been 
melted into tears. For what purpofe, whether for work 
or warfare thefe preparatory draughts are given me, is 
known only to God. Let his will be done ; let his de- 
figp.s be accomplished. One morning, in particular, 
when engaged in family prayer, 1 felt the fhcut of vic- 
tory in my foul, with refpecl: to this country, over the 
formidable army of our enemies, coming, and already 
come, among us. They appeared as the chaff of the 
fummer th refill ng floor. I have frequently, of late, 
found freedom in prayer, in beieeching the God of ar- 
mies that he would fight our battles for us, to the difap- 
pointment and overthrow of our unreafonable and 
vaunting foes, both fleet and army. And I do believe 
that the day will foon be over with them, although we 
may realize much trouble from them before the ciofe 
of it. 

18/A. Returned home in the evening. Have been 
abfent 57 days and preached 64 fcrmons. Through 
grace it has been a heavenly journey to my foul. Bleff- 
ed be God for his protection of me and mine in our ab- 
fence from each other, and for fupplying all our needs. 
Blefs the Lord, O my foul. 



1777. 

Port/mouthy Jan. 1. BlefTed be God for the mercies 
of another year ; that we, and our families have been 
preferved amidft the dreaJful fcenes of war and blood, 
which have been realized the year pail. BleiTed be God 
that the United States have not become a prey to the 
teeth of the lion. Lord, fanitify to us thy mercies and 
thy judgments, and work deliverance for us, in thine own 
time and way. 

As 7 is a perfect number ; as it is of frequent occur- 
rence in the fcriptures with application to folemn and 
feftival days and years, and was much regarded by God's 



72 ExtraBs from Mr. CrofwtWs Manufcripts • 

ancient people ; I cannot but notice the occurrence of a 
triplicate union of this perfect number, the prefent year. 
Three 7V now meet, which cannot be the cafe oftener 
than once in a thoufand years. Whether this circum- 
flance is to be confidered as ominous of any gieat and im- 
portant revolutions in the world, I pretend not to decide. 
But whatever may be the events in providence of this 
remarkable year, one thoufand, /even hundred and feveniy 
/even, may all be prepared to meet them, and wifely to 
improve them. 

i$th. Had a very great and unaccountable damp 
upon my mind from about noon, till in the evening. 
Felt apprehenfive that fome calamitous event might have 
happened in our army. Such were my death like ien- 
fations that it feemed as if I could neither preach nor 
pray ; but in opening a meeting in the evening with 
prayer, my depreffing load was removed ; the gloomy 
clouds, with which I had been furrounded, were Scatter- 
ed, and God waspleafed, through rich grace, to enable 
me to pray and preach with much freedom and engaged- 
nefs. Thus 1 had the Sentence of death, as it were, in 
and upon me ; that 1 fhould not truft in myfelf, but in 
him, who raifeth the dead and quickeneth whom he will. 
Bleffed be God for his marvellous loving kindnefs. 

24M. Was uncommonly affected, in the forenoon, 
whilii obferving a company beating up for volunteers to 
fupply the fhip of war, built in this place. Was almofl: 
overcome with tender affection and anxiety for them. 
The ftate of my mind was, on {ornc accounts, unuiual,. 
.and I felt apprehenfive that fomething tragical would 
attend their hazardous enterprize. But we muft leave 
thefe things, and lay no undue ftrefs upon them. In the 
hands of him whofe way is in the Sea,, and whofe footfteps 
are not known, I leave the men, with my bed wiffces 
and prayers to God for their prefervation and fticcefs. 

The laft fermon I preached makes the hundredth fince 
the beginning of laft Nov. Bleffed be God for bodily 
and Spiritual Strength imparted to me, and for all needful 
Supplies, that I can now fay, I have 'acked nothing. 
The fermons were preached in Portsmouth, Philipftown, 
Lebanon, Kittery,. &c. 



ExlraBs from Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripfs. 73 

1 778,, 

Plympton, Jan. \%th. Returned home from a journey 
to the Cape ; was abfent 45 days, and preached 59 fer- 
mons, in which I generally found blefTed fpiritual affift- 
ance. My labours were blefTed, I truft, to the comfort 
and quickening of Chriftians and to the conviction of 
finners. I would obferve that my weak and languid 
body was ftrengthened to admiration, to go through the 
labours and fatigues of this journey. God is my pre- 
ferver ; he is my ftrength, and this my foul knoweth 
right well. On my return found my family in health, 
and my fon lately come from the army, whom I had not 
feen for more than five months. BlefTed be God for his 
great goodnefs to him, and particularly, in twice raifing 
him up from ficknefs in his abfence from home. Oh, 
that the divine goodnefs might lead both him and all of 
us to a thorough repentance, and to acknowledge God in 
all our ways. Oh that my fon might become a true and 
valiant foldier of Jefus Chrift. 

2 ^d. Felt fupport and confolation from thefe words 
.concerning backfliding and idolatrous Ephraim, "For 
the iniquity of his covetoufnefs was I wroth, and fmote 
him ; I hid me and was wroth, and he went on froward- 
Jy in the way of his heart. I have feen his ways, and 
will heal him," &c. Such as was Ephrairn's, k^med to 
be the cafe with the people of this land. God in wrath 
hasjuftlyhid his face from us, and we have been going 
on frowardly in the way of our own hearts ; but I was 
led to pray, and in the confidence of hope, that God 
would, in mercy, appear for us as for Ephraim of old, 
and heal us. I could not but believe that God would, 
in his own time and way, look N. America into repentance* 
All the afflictions, which we feel under the divine judg- 
ments, will, I am fenfible, render us more and more per- 
verfe and obdurate, until God, in mercy, fhall be pleaf- 
ed to pour down upon us a fpirit of repentance, of grace 
and fupplication. Oh God, aroufe and quicken thy 
drowfy churches in our land, unitedly to call upon thee 
in fervent prayer for the outpouring of thy Spirit in his 
awakening, convincing and converting influences. Haft 
thou not faid, oh thou, who heareft prayer, that for thi* 
G 



74 Extracts from Mir. Crofwell's Manufcripts. 

thou wilt be inquired of by the houfe of Jacob to do it 
for them ? But the preparation of the heart, in man, and 
the anfwer of the tongue is from the Lord. Turn thou 
us, oh God of our falvation, and then (hall we be turned, 
and caufe thine anger towards us to ceafe. Heal our 
backflidings and love us freely 



tillilll ••• f to 



1779. 

Port/mouthy March 25th. Experienced fome quicken- 
ings of late in prayer for the outpouring of God's Spirit 
upon all flefh. Lately heard a Quaker preacher hold 
forth. He was a man full of words, but of little matter. 
He harangued for hours together, and made nothing of it. 
He appeared empty of gofpel truth, and/*/// of Arminian 
error. He denied the moral impotency of man, and 
promifed life to fuch, as would follow the dark directions 
of fuch lights as they had within ; he rejected water bap- 
tifm and the Lord's fupper, as carnal ordinances; de- 
nied eternal election, divine fovereignty, the irrefiftible 
power and grace of God in converfion, the final perfever- 
ance of faints, &c. Although I efteemed him as the 
pooreft of the poorejl fort of preachers, yet he drew 
after him not a few of weak and unftable hearers. Oh 
God, if confident with thy holy and wife defigns, flop 
his mouth, or truly enlighten his inner man. The chil- 
dren of God, in this place, have been grieved to fee fo 
many people milled by fuch delufive preachers. Oh, my 
foul, come not thou into their fecret, unto, their affem- 
blies, mine honour, be not thou united. 

April 8. *On taking leave of Portfmouth was almoft 
overwhelmed with a fenfe of divine things. Prayed, I 
truft, under a fpirit of adoption almoft to an agony for 
the fpiritual fhowers, which are to bring on the latter day 
glory..; which day appears to me to be almoft at the 
door. Felt a very ftrong impreffion on my mind, that 
Portfmouth would foon be vifited with fpring tides of 
gofpel bleffings, with very uncommon effufions of the 
Holy Spirit. Oh, bleffed Fountain of divine influence, 
thus appear for thy people in this place, for thy great 
name's fake. 

For what I believe to be the faithful difcharge of du- 
ty, I have lately met with oppofition, and from feme 



Extrads from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts. ?J 

friends. But, bleffed be God, I have found the way of 
duty to be the way of fafety, and that honefty is the bed 
policy. The approbation of my heavenly Father feem- 
ed to be fealed upon my foul. Not unto one, not unto 
me, oh God, but unto thy name be all the glory afcribed. 

i8/£. Lee. Sabbath day. Preached twice to-day in 
the meeting houfe, and once in the evening, with fome 
freedom at each time. The weather has been as cold as 
in the middle of winter ; but religion is almoft as cold as 
the weather. Iniquity abounds and the love of many 
waxes cold. Lord, warm and thaw our chilled and be- 
numbed fouls with the holy fire of heavenly love and 
true devotion. 

20/i. Obferved this day, with feveral chriftian friends, 
as a day of private fafting and prayer. A fpirit of re- 
markable prayer and fupplication feemed to be given us. 
Preached a fermon on the nature of a true faft. One of 
the brethren was greatly quickened. Oh, that our pray- 
ers might enfure a gracious anfwer of peace from him, 
who hath never faid to his people, Seek ye my face in 
vain. 

Have been from home nearly ten weeks, and have 
preached upwards of 70 fermons. Oh Lord, abundantly 
water the feed fown for Chrift's fake. Amen. 



1781. 

Nantajhet, or Hull. September. Lord's day. Preach- 
ed here twice to-day, and feveral fermons on week days. 
There was a confiderable attention to religion among the 
people fome time paft, when feveral were hopefully con- 
verted ; but the attention has much declined, fince I was 
here laft:. People, however, ftill hear with folemnity* 
How foon do revivals of religion decline, when the fov- 
ereign God withdraws the fpecial operations of his 
Spirit ! 

Abmgton. September. Preached 2 fermons in differ- 
ent parts of the town to large collections of people, who 
heard as for eternity. I formerly preached often at Ab- 
ington ; but do not recollect that I have preached there, 
till now, for about ten years paft. It is thought that to- 
wards a hundred people were favingly converted in this 
fpciety, the laft year ; and their religion feems to wear 



^6 ExtraBsfrom Mr. CrofwelPs Manufcripts. 

well.* Seclarianifm has little or no influence among the 
people. I underftand that there is but one perfon of any 
fectarian denomination. The people appear very fol- 
cmn, and flock much to meeting, young and old, and 
bear the word preached with eager and folemn attention. 
1 expect foon to vifit this place again. Should this be 
xhe cafe, oh, that I might come in the fulnefs of the 
blefling of the gofpel of Chrift. 

Eqfton. September. I have frequently preached in this 
town and in the neighbourhood about this time. Often 
three times, and once four times in a day. The meet- 
ings have been pleafant and refrefliing. Some fermons 
feemed remarkably accompanied with divine power. 
I have had delightful and animating views, frequently, 
in prayer, of the latter day glory, and a fpirit of pleading, 
for the overthrow of our relentlefs and cruel enemies,, 
who befet us both by fea and land, accompanied with a 
firm belief, that God will, indeed, overthrow them. At 
times have had to ftruggle with a cold and lifelefs frame* 
accompanied with much darknefs ; but, bleifed be God,. 
have always enjoyed lucid intervals. Never fhall I re* 
alize uninterrupted light and life, till I drop my body 
of death, and get beyond this world of darknefs. 



I 782, 
Weymouth, July 5. Preached two fermons in the 
l^orth Parifn in this town. The meetings were agreea- 
ble, and fome, I truft, were comforted and refrefhed. 
Found much freedom in my exercifes. Was enabled ar- 
dently to pray for fecure finners in this place. I do not 
remember, that for nearly thirty years, fince I have 
known the place, I ever found fo great freedom to pray 
for a reformation among the people. And it feems to 
me that it will afTuredly take place, and perhaps fudden- 
ly* Oh God, grant that this may be the cafe for thy 
great name's fake. Amen. 

* It may be confidently asserted, that for about two years after 
the religious attention commenced in Abington, scarcely a pro- 
fane word was heard from the mouth of any of the inhabitants ; 
that scarcely an instance of intemperate drinking" was known to 
take place, and that few, if any scenes of conviviality anddissipa* 
tion were witnessed. The works of darkness almost wholly 
disappeared. 



ExtraBs from Mr. Crof well's MarMfcripts. 77 

SC/A. Eajlon. Obferved this day, with feveral chrif- 
tian friends, as a day of fading and prayer, on accountof 
a fevere and pinching drought. We made prayer unto 
him who is the Father of the rain, that he would pity 
and appear for us in vifiting the dry and barren earth, 
with ihowers of bleffing from his river, which is full of 
water. It was, through grace, a very good day to us. 
A deep folemnity attended our exercifes, at the very 
commencement of which, the heavens began to gather 
blacknefs, which was difcharged in refreshing rain upon 
this, and feveral neighbouring towns. All glory to Zi- 
on's God, who has faid, Call upon me in the day of trou- 
ble, and I will deliver thee, and thou ihalt glorify me. 
Bleffed be his holy name that he hath never faid to Ja- 
cobus feed, feek ye me in vain ; but that he hath faid, and 
it mall come to pafs, that while his humble fupplicants 
are yet fpeaking, he will hear. All glory to divine faith- 
fulnefs. 



EXTRACTS FROM HIS EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF 
CANTICLES. 

Chap. iii. Ver. 11. Go forth, oh ye daughters of Zion, 
and behold king Solomon with the crown, wherewith his 
mother crowned him in the day of his efpoufals, and in the 
day of the gladnefs of his heart. 

Go forth, oh ye daughters of Zion. Here the fpoufe, 
or church, calls upon particular believers to go forth and 
fee an attractive and glorious fight — to abftract them- 
felves, as it were, from the world, and from themfelves, 
that with an eye of faith, and with holy affection they 
might behold Chrift, the glorious king Solomon. Oh 
ye daughters of Zion or Jerufalem ; ye who are true be- 
lievers, and to whom Chrift is precious, go forth and be- 
hold king Solomon ; take an admiring view of a greater 
than Solomon in the type, even of king Solomon the an- 
titype, Jefus Chrift, the glorious Prince of peace. Be- 
hold him as your great new covenant head, engaging in 
your behalf perfectly to fulfil God's broken law, to fin- 
ilh tranfgreflion ; to make an end of fin, and bring in ev- 
erlafting righteoufnefs, as the only meritorious ground of 
your juftification before God. See, in him, juftice and 
G 1 



78 Extracts from Mr. GraftvelPs Manufcrtpls* 

truth harmonioufly meeting together, and righteoufnefs 
and peace cordially embracing each other. _ See the 
burning throne of wrath, which once fhot forth flames 
ag^inft you, fprinkled, as it were, with the Lamb's aton- 
ing blood, now fending forth the beams of love and 
grace. Behold the covenant of the people, Jefus, who is 
God, man, mediator. Behold him as a mighty conquer- 
or, bruifing the ferpent's head, and treading down all his 
sad your fpiritual enemies — Hilling the thunders of Sinai's 
law, and completely freeing you from eventual condem-, 
nation. See him thus conquering, when he himfelf was 
apparently conquered by death. Wonderful, wonder- 
ful ! He became a mighty conqueror, through his own 
humiliation, fufferings and death 1 Oh believers, go forth 
and contemplate the aftonifhing fcene ! fee the fword of 
divine juftice awake againft the Man, who is ftyled Jeho- 
vah's fellow ! See the beams of divine juftice concen- 
trating, as it were, by a burning glafs upon the head of 
the holy one of God, when he was made fin for you, that 
you might become the righteoufnefs of God through 
him. Oh the amazing love of God to his chofen, in tak- 
ing a holy pleafdre in bruifing his well beloved Son, that 
through his ftripes they might be healed. Behold your 
king crowned with thorns, that you might wear crowns 
of immortal and unfading glory ! See him under ex- 
treme anguifh of body and defertion of foul ; hear his 
doleful and lamentable cry, " My God, my God, why 
haft thou forfaken me !" Hear his dying breath, " It is 
finifhed :*' fee him bow his awful head ; fee him die ; tha 
Lord of life and glory die ! " 

But are we thus invited to go forth, to fee our glo- 
rious king Solomon crowned I Oh believers, think not 
that your time has been unprofitably fpent in viewing 
this tragical fcene, or that it has no connexion with the 
coronation of your glorious and immortal King. This is 
a fcene which was preparatory to that great and joyful 
event ; a fcene calculated to prepare your minds to con- 
template it with higher admiration and delight. It be- 
hoved Chrift thus to fufFer that he might reign Z ion's 
king. Now then go forth, oh believers, and behold your 
glorious king Solomon, who for the fuffering of death is 
crowned with glory and honour* Behold him mtt th 



Extrafis from Mr. Grofwell's Manvfcrtyis. 79 

crown, wherewith his mother ct owned htm. This, being ap- 
plied to the literal king Solomon, denotes the crown roy- 
al wherewith his mother, Bathfheba, is faid to have 
crowned him ; became Solomon was crowned by Da- 
vid's order, upon her fuggejlion, and by virtue of his 
promife to her. But being applied to Chrift, it notes 
the honour and glory which were given him ; which, al- 
though principally done by his Father, yet is here af- 
cribed to his mother, i. e. to the church univerfal, which, 
in refpect to his humanity, may be called his mother ; 
partly becaufehe was born in, and, as it were, of her, and 
was therefore fubject to her inftitutions. Whence the 
church is reprefented as a woman in travail and bring- 
ing forth a man child, that is Chrift \ and partly be- 
caufe, in a fpiritual fenfe, fhe is faid to conceive and 
bring forth Chrift in particular believers. Gal. iv. 19. 
And his mother may be faid to crown Chrift, the fpirit- 
ual and glorious king Solomon, both beeaufe it is the 
great defign and bulinefs of the church to advance 
Chrift's honour and declarative glory in the world, and 
beeaufe fhe is inftrumental of the fpiritual birth of chil- 
dren, whom Chrift efteems his crown and glory. In the- 
day of his ejpoufals, i. e. when the church is betrothed, as 
it were, and married to him. which is done when the 
covenant is made or confirmed between them, or when 
elect fouls are converted and united to Chrift. And irk 
the day of the gladnefs of his heart, when, as the fcripture 
expreffeth it, he rejoiceth over his bride. 

Oh believers, go forth and behold your king crowned 
with glory and honour ; behold his royal diadem fpark- 
ling with brilliants of dazzling and immortal luftre. 
Behold him feated on a throne auguft, beyond defcrip- 
tion, and brighter than the brightnefs of the firmament % 
behold his fceptre of pure and burnifhed gold ; his fcep- 
tre of grace and everlafting love. Admire his exalta- 
tion, his attractive beauty, and glorious majefty. Let 
his high praifes be in your mouth. Sing praifes to 
your King, fmg praifes. Shout, oh fhout, in praife, the 
coronation fong. 

Go forth and crown this glorious King yourfelvesj 
crown him by imbibing largely the fpirit of his religion, 
by fpeaking for bis name, by zealoufly vindicating his 



8o Extra fls from Mr. CrofwtU's Manufcripfs. 

catife, and by tranfcribing into your lives all his divine 
and heavenly precepts. 

Is the day of his efpoufals the day of the gladnefs of 
liis heart ? Does the repentance of one {inner give joy to 
this glorious King of Zion. and even to all the bleffed 
inhabitants of heaven? Aroufe, then, oh daughters of 
Zion ; up and be doing whatfoever your hands find to 
do, that many, many finners, may be brought to repea- 
lance, and bow at the fceptre of your king ; for. 

The Son with joy looks down, and sees 
The purchase of his agonies. 
The Spirit takes delight to view 
The holy soul he forrn'd anew ; 
Whilst saints and angels join to slngv 
The growing empire of their King. 



1783. 

Newmarket, (N* H.) July 6th. I have been ac- 
quainted in thefe parts more than thirty years ; but nev«. 
er did I fee the power of religion in fo depreffed 
and languid condition before. An uncommon ftupor 
feems to have feized upon the minds and hearts of people 
in this place and its vicinity. What this is ominous of, 
God only knows. If ever the wife and foolifh Numbered 
together, now is the time. Iniquity, in general, greatly 
abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. How aw- 
ful are the aboundings of herefy, of blalphemy, Sabbath 
breaking, lying, uncleannefs, intemperance, Murray ifm, 
deifm, arianifm, with (hocking contempt of the gofpel ! 
But notwithftanding thefe things, I firmly believe that 
a great and glorious reformation is nigh at hand. Both 
the word and providences of God feem to indicate the 
approach of that great and defirable event. The word 
of God leads us to believe that the outpouring of the 
Spirit, upon all fiefli, will be preceded by a period of 
great apoftafy and darknefs, and yet that God's people, 
who will be greatly oppreffed, in fome view or other, 
will be excited to cry unto him with great importunity, 
for deliverance and for a univerfal reformation. Is not 
this, in a great meafure, the ftate of things at the pre- 
fent day ? The devil feems to have come down in great 
'yrratb, knowing that his time is fliort, He feems re- 



Ex! rafts from Mr. Crofwdfs Manufctipts* 81 

markably to have affumed the empire of this world ; 
and to have much influence on, alas ! too many who, it 
is hoped, are wife virgins ; yet others, and many of 
them, appear in fome places to be much quickened in 
prayer. Several concerts for prayer are eftabliflied in 
different States. Many of God's people are crying day 
and night for Chrift's coming and kingdom. When I 
contemplate this combination of circumftances, 1 am 
ready to exclaim with the Pfalmift, " Thy name, oh 
God, is near ; and this thy wondrous works declare." 
When we fee all thefe things, may we not reafonably 
conclude, that the end is nigh ; the end of Satan's em- 
pire ? I do believe that the flood tide of religion will, 
ere long, be fully proportionate to the prefent ebb. Lord, 
haften the time, the fet time thus to favour Zipn. 
Amen. 



I788. 

New London, February $th, fcfc. Preached at New 
London, Harbour's mouth, where the people, according 
to their own confefHon, had been very lcofe, as to their 
moral conduct, much addicted to profane language and 
difregard of the Sabbath. But they are now, in appear- 
ance, much reclaimed. A number of hopeful new con- 
verts are to be found in this place. We have had many 
lively and pleafant meetings, to which there has been a 
great flocking, and which have been attended with feri- 
oufnefs and folemnity. I preach about io fermons in a 
week, and have, I truft, through grace, fundry feals of 
my mini ftry in thefe parts. I have realized much lib- 
erality from feveral perfons. Lord, reward them a 
thoufand fold both temporally and fpiritually. I have 
had much freedom in praying for Chrift's coming and 
kingdom ; and, at times, it appears as if heaven and 
earth would foon harmonioufly meet. 

March 6th. Set out pleafantly from New London to- 
wards home, having made it my head quarters fince the 
2 1 ft of November. Have been kindly and cordially re« 
ceived, and favoured with very agreeable acquaintance 
in this place, in Montville, Chefterfield, the Harbour's 
mouth, Groton and Lyme. Elefled be God for chrif- 
tian friends and kind treatment. 



82 Extrafis from Mr. CrofzvelPs Manufcripts, 

*jth. Come to Norwich landing, where I do not re- 
collect to have been before for thirty or forty years, nor 
ever to have preached a fermon to the people till now. 
T find it to be a place where the owl hath been, and the 
fatyr danced ; w T here Murrayifm, or murrainifm has been 
fpread. Preached in the afternoon and evening. Ma- 
ny people flocked to the evening meeting and heard 
with much attention and apparent ferioufnefs. Find 
freedom in preaching § but I fear little religion among 
this people. Oh God, revive thine own work among 
them for ChrirVs fake. 

yfhi Norwich City. Sabbath day* Preached twice 
in the courfe of the day and once in the evening to a 
great collection of people, whofe attention to the word 
preached was apparently folemn. Several people who are 
thought to be real chriflians in thefe parts, but who have 
been trained up in the midft of the Rogerene Arminian 
Quakers, I found fpeaking partly in the language of Afli- 
dod. Oh Lord, dry up every ftream under heaven that 
makes Babylon's whore glad. 

10th. Spent fome time to-day in- converting with fev- 
cral young perfons, who do not approve of the doctrine of 
eternal election y but hold that election begins in time, 
and is founded on the good works of the fubjects, con- 
fequently is not to be traced up to fovereign difcriminat- 
ing grace. How does this: fentiment run counter to the 
grace of the gofpel I for let the doctrine of eternal and 
abfolute election be but erafed from the gofpel, and there 
will be no fuch thing as free grace left behind ; agreea- 
bly the apoftle obferves, that if falvation be not of grace, 
it muft be of works. This appears to me to be a funda- 
mental error. I rebuked the young men for their 
maintaining it. Lord, rectify their hearts ; rectify their 
heads, and let truth prevail to the univerfal overthrow 
of falfe and ruinous principles. 

28/i, Returned home (Eafton) comfortably, and 
found my family well. Glory to God for his great 
goodnefs to me and mine in an abfence of nearly five 
months. Notwithftanding my advanced age, being in 
my 76th year, I have rode in this journey 500 or 600 
miles, and have preached 166 fermons. Have experi- 
enced, I truft, fcveral remarkable anfwers to prayer. 
Bleffed be God for the bodily ftrength, and for every 



Extracts from Mr* CrofaelPs Manufcrtpts. B$ 

affiftance he has afforded me. Oh that a divine and 
favingbleffing may follow my weak, but well meant la- 
bours, to many fouls. Amen, 



1789. 

JBojhfiy June jtfh. In riding from home to this placne 
the face of creation exhibited a melancholy appearance. 
A fevere drought had rendered the roads extremely dry 
and dufty ; vegetation is backward, and in a languifhing 
ftate. But God is juft and righteous, fhould he fend 
famine and cleannefs of teeth through our borders, for 
the iniquity of them that dwell therein. Oh, how do 
the awful fins of covetoufnefs, felf-love, drunkennefs, in- 
juftice, horrible contempt of the gofpel, &c. abound in 
our land I Surely it is becaufe ^he divine xompalTions 
fail not, that we are not confumed. 

5*£. A chriltian friend this day put a dollar into my 
hand. Oh Lord, return a thoufand fold into his bofom. 
How feafonable was this gratuity ! for when I came to 
town I had not money ilrnicient to pay for my horfc 
keeping a fi-ngle mght. But I came from home truiling 
in the good providence of God. Oh that my heart 
might be duly affected with a fenfe of his goodnefs. 

. 14/i. Sabbath day. *** Attended public worfhip 
in the meeting houfe, where I heard a young, raw, and I 
fear unconverted man preach two fuch fermons, as I de- 
fire never to hear again. He named a text, indeed, as 
the theme of his difcourfes, but took fpecial-care to keep 
at a great diftance from it, on both parts of the day. 
He appeared to be made a minifter merely by dint of hu- 
man inftruction. Alas! how many fuch made miniflers 
are placed as overfeers over the church of God ! Oh 
God, convert, or thru ft them, in thine own time and way, 
out of thy holy temple.* As to the poor young man, . 
if, as I apprehend, in an unconverted ftate, I pray God 
that he may be awakened to fee his nrifery by fin, that 
he may no more fpeak fo flightly of that fubjecl as he has 

* Should this be considered as an unreasonable and uncandid 
philippic against preachers of a certain description, it is hoped 
that the reader will exercise that charity which thinketh no evil, 
of the writer, and that he may derive benefit to himself fro:** 
what he has written. 



i?4 Extrafts from Mr. Crofwell's Manufcripss. 

done this day, and that he may be led to abhor himfelf 
and repent in duft and aflies. Oh, that he might be 
brought to fee and feel that fin is exceedingly finful ; 
that falvation is entirely of free and fovereign grace, and 
be enabled faithfully and fuccefsfully to preach and de- 
fend thofe doctrines of the crofs, of which he now ap- 
pears ignorant, both in heart and in head. I hope and 
truft that I have no unreafonablefpleen or prejudice againft 
the young man ; I wifh him nothing better nor worfe, 
than that he might become an able, a faithful and fuc- 
cefsful minifter of the New Teftament, and enjoy the hap- 
py confequences thence refulting. 

Prejlon, (Conn.) O&ober 2*jth. Enjoyed a pleafant 
feafon in prayer and religious converfation with a chrif- 
tian brother, between whom and myfelf there had, for 
fome time, exifted a groundlefe diftance and ihynefs. 
We were both, I truft, in fome meafure made fenfible of 
it. Oh, how politic is Satan, that accufer of the breth- 
ren, to ftir up unreasonable jealoufies even to the Sepa- 
ration of very friends, even to the dividing of Paul and 
Barnabas • And oh how pleafant and defirable is the 
reftoratton of mutual confidence, love and fellowfhip ! 
Behold how good and pleafant it is for brethren to dwell 
together in unity ! BlefTed be God, that this is now 
our happy, happy fituation. May our love be, and con- 
tinue fcronger than death. Amen. 

Eajlot'i November 13/&. Dulnefs on my foul, gener- 
ally, this day. At times enjoyed fome freedom in 
prayer. 

14/^. Was drawn out almoft to agonize in prayer for 
Chrift^s coming and kingdom, universally, in the world. 
And it feemed as if I felt upon my foul an anfwer to the 
prayers of my chriftian friends, in feveral of the United 
States, with whom I am in covenant, mutually to re- 
member each other, and families, in our prayers every 
Saturday evening. I have thought that I have fre- 
quently enjoyed the benefit of their prayers on fuch 6c« 
cafions. 

16th. N. Bridgewater. I this day vifited a dear 
friend and chriftian brother, whofe wife, a godly 
woman, is dangeroufiy fick. How pleafant and delightful 
was the interview ! The power of God feemed fenfibly 



Ext rafts from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcrtpts \ 8$ 

prefent. While the family were in tears, (lie was rejoic- 
ing in God, her Saviour. Her face feemed to fhine with 
heavenly joy and glory. Through grace, I enjoyed that 
confolation which the world can neither give nor take 
away, whilft fpeaking to her of the tender fympathy of 
our adorable Emmanuel, and exalted high Prieft. Oh, 
happy, happy fituation on the bed of ficknefs and death I 



1791. 

Newmarket^ (N. H.J February 2\th. Converfed with 
a chriftian brother, with whom I cannot agree in fenti- 
ment, and whofe fentiments I cannot but view, in feveral 
refpeels, as founded in error and uncharitablenefs ; and 
therefore, as unreafonable and hurtful in their confe- 
quences. I freely told him, that it was my daily 
prayer that fuch fentiments, and their effects might be 
overthrown, and that 1 fhould thus pray, were I going 
out of the world, with my dying breath. Such fenti- 
ments I verily believe, with all other wood, hay and ftub- 
ble in religion, in whomfoever they may be found, are 
referved for, and will be burnt with fire. The day is 
coming when every man's work mall be made manifeft; 
the day mall declare it, becaufe it fhall be revealed by 
fire ; and the fire fhall try every man's work of what fort 
it is. Then nothing but peace and fimple truth will 
bear the fiery ted. All error and human traditions, in 
whatever denomination of chriftians they may be found, 
will be but as fuel for the flames ; they will, as it were, 
be burnt up and wholly deftroyed. In the contemplation 
of this, I rejoice. Amen and Amen. 

Bo/lofiy April 20th. Preached from thefe words, " In 
the world ye fhall have tribulation, but in me ye fhall 
have peace. " A pleafant and lively meeting. Have 
enjoyed fweet fellowship with the people of God in this 
town, and efpecially with certain individuals of them. 
Oh what, on this fide heaven, is fo pleafant and animat- 
ing as intimate chriftian fellowfhip ! Am much com- 
forted and quickened in looking for the glorious fpirit- 
ual reign of our bleffed Redeemer, which I hope is very 
near. Even fo come, Lord Jefus ; come quickly in Pen- 
H 



86 Extrafts from Mr. CrofweWs Manufcripis. 

tecoft effufions of the Holy Spirit, till the whole earth 
fhall be filled with the true knowledge of the Lord, as 
the waters cover the channels of the fea. 

Sabbath day. Was highly gratified in hearing a 
preacher of a denomination different from that of my 
own. He is a powerful and experimental preacher. 
He fpoke feelingly, inftruclively and impreffively. His 
oratory was of the right kind, as it originated from his 
own feelings, and I truft from the heart. He appears 
modeft, humble and free from the unhallowed feelings 
of party fpirit. An excellent pattern for imitation ! Oh, 
may the time foon come when Ephraim (hall not envy 
Judah, and Judah fhall not vex Ephraim ; when no dif- 
pofition mall, in any party, be difcovered for dividing ths 
living child ; when all Chrifl's minifters fhall be meek 
and humble, fee eye to eye, and be perfectly of one mind 
and of one accord. 

About this time God has been pleafed to raife up fev- 
eral kind friends in this place, who have miniftered to 
my neceflities in money and apparel. Among the gra- 
tuities were an excellent coat and cloth jacket ; on the 
receipt of which, I put off my old ones which I had 
worn for about eight years, not having been able to pur- 
chafe thofe articles of clothing during that period, as I 
found it neceffary to contribute all in my power to the 
fupport of my family, and for furni filing myfelf with 
other neceffaries. Oh, how kind and tender is the care 
of divine Providence to me, in feafonably fupplying my 
needs ! All glory to divine faithfulnefs. Oh God, re- 
ward my benefactors a thoufai d fold into their bofoms. 
And now I will let up another Ebenezer, and fay, Hith- 
erto the Lord hath helped me. 

Received a letter from a friend in New London, in- 
forming that he had received a letter from me, in which 
I had given an account of a great revival of religion 
lately in N. Bridgewater and Abington. The number 
of converfions in both thefe places is fuppofed to be 
nearly 200! If true, how wonderfully has the power 
and glory of God been difplayedin thefe places ! Glo- 
ry to God on high. He obferved in his letter that he 
had informed my N. London friends of that glorious 
event, which gave them great joy. N. B. When Bar- 



Extracts from Mr. CrofivelPs Manufcripts. 87 

nabas had feen the grace of God he was glad. And is 
not news of this fort, though from a far country, like re* 
freihing water to a thirfty foul ? 

I have fpent about three weeks in Bofton in a more 
pleafant and agreeable manner than I ever did, the fame 
time, before. My acquaintance with chriftian friends 
has much increafed, and I have had opportunity of 
meeting with five religious focieties, confining chiefly of 
young people- I have fpent conHderabk time with 
them in praying, preaching arid exhortation. One of 
the focieties confiiis of about ioq members. I think I 
have not, for forty five years* feen things, as to religion, 
appear fo encouraging in this place, as at the prefent 
time. Oh may thefe focieties prove as holy leaven, 
through whofe influence the whok mafs of this people 
fhall be leavened. 

Have enjoyed bleffed freedom at my lodgings in pray^ 
ing for the final overthrow of all Chrift's and his 
church's enemies under heaven,, and in praying for 
ChrihVs glorious and univerfal reign. I have quartered 
at the houfe of a chriftian friend, where I now am, 
above a hundred nights in a few years paft, in a gratu- 
itous manner, where I have had a comfortable chamber 
to myfelf, " a joint ft.ool and candleftick," and every 
kind attention paid me. Oh my God, think upon this 
family for good, and may the bread which they have fo 
liberally and freely beftowed upon me, be returned to 
them a thoufand fold temporally and fpiritually. Blefs 
the Lord, oh my foul, and forget not all, nor any of his 
benefits. Amen. 

N, Bntdgenvater. September. **** How greatly has 
error increafed within twelve years paft ! Converts to 
univerfalifm, arianifm,focinianifm, deifm, and the armini- 
anifm, particularly of V/eflky, have in many places be- 
come very numerous. Although the preachers of Weft- 
ley's fchool preach, in fome refpecls, found doctrine, yet 
I am con (trained to believe that the poifon of afps is under 
their cloak. They compafs fea and land to make pro- 
felytes, and by fmooth words and fair fpeeches beguile 
the hearts of the fimple and unftable, and would, I be- 
lieve, were it poflible, deceive the very elect. But to my 
great comfort and eftablilnment,.! fee the day approach* 



88 Extracts from Mr* CrofwelPs Manufcripts. 

ing, and hope it is very near, when Ch'rift, by the bright- 
nefs of his coming, and by the power of the Holy Ghoft, 
will confume all antichriftian here lies under heaven. 
Amen. 

Thefe preachers take fpecial care in their preaching, eith- 
er to deny, or keep out of fight, the main and fundamental 
doctrines of the gofpel, fuch as original fin, total deprav- 
ity, the Mailer's moral inability to help himfelf with re- 
lation to his acceptance with God, eternal election, de- 
crees, the fovereignty of God, juftification through faith 
alone in Chrift, and the final perfeverance of faints. 
Thefe are doctrines written in our Bibles as with capitals 
and in funbeams. 1 do, and am conftrained to fay it, 
that I look upon fuch teachers as wolves in fheep's cloth-- 
ing ; and as a friend to the truth, I do not ceafe to bear 
conftant teftimony againft them as great deceivers; and 
by the help of divine grace mail neither afk them into 
my houfe, nor bid them God fpeedA 



x 79 2 - 

JihmgiGti and N. Bridgewater. Augujl 12th, &c* Have 
preached fundry times in thefe focieties this week. Peo- 
ple attend with ferioufnefs, and chriftians feem comfort- 
ed and refrefhed. Have preached about this time two 
Sabbaths in Abington meeting houfe, the minifter being 
abfent on a journey. Preached with much freedom and 
prefence of mind, to probably 6oo hearers. Found a 
door of utterance ; and, oh, may the word find a door 
of entrance into the hearts of the people. Preached fev- 
era! fermons in private houfes to attentive hearers. Some 
of the meetings were accompanied with delightful man- 
ifeftations of the divine prefence. At an evening meet- 
ing in Bridge water divine influences descended in fo- 
powerful a manner, that joy and love, which could 
not be concealed, feemed to fill the room. At evening 

* These remarks are not to be considered as applying to the 
Methodists indiscriminately. There are many preachers of this 
denomination, who are, it is believed, decidedly calvinistic in their 
sentiments and preaching. And it is hoped that some of this de- 
scription are to be found in the U. S. Whether any of the above 
remarks are incorrect, or savour too much of severity, the writer 
of this note does not peremptorily decide. The reader will judge*. 



Exirafls from Mr. CrofweWs Manufcrlpts. 89 

time, it was indeed light. Oh, bleffed be God for fuch 
communications as thefe to unworthy, and finful duft 
and aihes. Oh, how pleafant and delightful to enjoy a 
little heaven below ! 

Bleffed be God, who graeioufly hears and anfwers the 
prayers of his children, and who never faid to the feed 
of Jacob, Seek ye my face in vain. 

Have lately read the late Prefident Edwards' Hiftory 
of Redemption. Next to the Bible, I confider it the bed 
book I have ever read. Have alio lately read a large vol- 
ume of Watts' Sermons, and Shaw on "the Life of God 
in the Soul of Man." While I would call no man matter 
on earth, yet I defire to blefs God for fuch valuable and 
important helps. Oh God, may I, and may others 
reap much benefit from fuch books as thefe. 

Augajl 2zd. Returned home to my family and found 
them well. Bleffed be God, our kind Preferver. Have 
been abfent 24 days, and have preached 30 fermcns ; 243 
fince November, 1792? I hope, through grace, with fome 
fuccefs,. 



MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS. 

Christ's faithful minifters are heralds to fummon fin- 
ners to furrender to the King of glory, and their Matter's 
feet are behind them. 

The gofpel is the chariot of ft ate, in which the King 
of glory rides forth conquering and to conquer. By 
this he makes his entry into the hearts of his chofen, and 
fubdues them to bimielf. 

Is Chritt our king, and are we his fubjecls ? Let us 
then confider well the defcriptive motto of his kingdom, 
*' Holinefs to the Lord," and the injunclions upon our- 
felves fuggefted by this motto : " Be ye holy. Let your 
light fhine before men." 

1. Let us be loyal to our King, in refolutely vindicat- 
ing his caufe, whenever we fee his 4aws violated, his 
name profaned and his authority invaded. 

2. Let us play the man in vigoroufly maintaining an 
irreconcileabie warfare with all the King's enemies, 
whether within, or without us, 

H 3 



90 ExtraBs from Mr. CrofzuelPs jifanufcripis* 

3. Let us be upon the alert, and diligently watch every 
av ue, by which the enemy may enter the cqftle of 
man-fouL Eye*, ears, heart and tongue are vigilantly to 
be guarded, left the enemy ihouid get the advantage? 
and enter by furprife. 

4. Let us diligently perufe the King's (latute book, and 
as diligently obferve all its ilatutes. 

5. Let us zealoufly contend for the liberties of his 
kingdom ; liberties equally oppofed to licentiouineis and 
tyranny. 

6. Let us maintain a friendly correfpondence and dole 
alliance with all the King's loyal fubjects, although clad 
with different liveries* 

God is truth ; and his providential government is a 
difplay of himfelf : It is truth put in practice by the God 
of Providence. Hence, when men fault providential dif- 
penfations, they quarrel with truth, and (hew themfelves 
to be the feed of falfehood. 

Truth is the rnoft tormenting thing to the guilty foul $.. 
for while likenefs begets love and pleafure, contrariety 
produces hatred and pain. 

The kingdom of Chrift relates to the confcience and 
inner man ; but earthly kingdoms relate only to the out- 
er man and external con duel:. Let no earthly authority 
or tribunal interfere with the rights of confcience, as they 
would avoid invading the rights of Chrift's kingdom, 
and the ferious confequences of fuch invafion. It were 
better that a rmilftone were hanged about their necks, and 
they caft into the depths of the lea, than that they fhould 
ufurp the prerogative of Zion's King. 

The folly of thofe is equal to their error, who prefer 
the world's great ones, to ChrijVs little ones : for he that is 
leait in the kingdom of Chrift is greater than the world's 
greateft potentate. 

In unregenerate men, the eye of the underftanding is 
blinded by the darknefs of the heart ; but in the regener- 
ate, this darknefs being diffipated, the eye becomes clear 
and fmgle, and they behold the beauty of the Lord; and 
the excellency of their God. 



ExtraSs from Mr. CrofivelPs Manuferipts. 9.* 

Whenever God is truly feen, he is feen to be a God of 
boundlefs love, an ocean of rich, fovereign and victorious 
grace ; an ocean without a ihore, without a bottom. 
God is love. 



Evangelical faith and true holinefs run parallel with- 
each other. So much true faith in the goipel, fo much 
holinefs ; fo much unbelief, fo much pride, enmity and 



each other. So much true faith in the goipel, fo much 
holinefs ; 

rebellion. 

The fallow ground of the finner's heart muft be brok- 
en and turned up by the plough of the law, to prepare 
it for the reception of the incorruptible i^Qd of the gofpeL 

When the fun arifes the itars difappear; fo when Chrift 
the glorious Sun of righteoufnefs arofe upon the benight- 
ed world, the dim and twinkling ft ars of the ceremonial 
law withdrew their feeble radiance. 

Although in our day there are but few demon) acks, or 
perfons under bodily pojfejjions, yet alas ! how great is 
the multitude of mental demoniacks, who are bound 
with fuch chains and fetters, as nothing but almighty 
power can break afunder ! 

Contention, like a rank and noxious weed, fprings up 
and flourifhes in the foil of oppofitiou between flefh and 
fpirit. Cain will hate and kill Abel. Old Adam will 
iirike at every new man. 

Holinefs is the life of God in the foul of man: but 
the foul is dead where this life is not to be found. 

The divine law may, like a. hungry lion, roar upon 
every Daniel ; but Chrift, the Angel of the covenant, 
plucks out his teeth. 

The flefh will bear with, and even applaud the form, 
but rages at the power of godlinefs. The devil himielf 
k pleafed with the religion of the formaiift. 

A man once truly jufttfied can never be w/zjuftified : 
neither can his juitification be diminifhed, nor increafed. 

The fecond Adam can never live in the foul, till the 
fir' 1 Adam dies. — r— 

Chrift's intercefflon is founded on his oblation; and 
the Father is fo well pleafed with this oblation, that he 



g!" Exiraiis from Mr. CrofwcWs Manufcripiu 

cannot reject the intercefllon. Him, that is, Chrift, the 
Father heareih always. — — 

As the iins of believers cannot overcome the love of 
Chrift ; fo the love of Chrift will finally overcome all 
their fins. 

There is no radical union to Chrift before fa ving faith, 
Chrift firft takes hold of the fi-nner by the arm of his 
Spirit, and then the (inner takes hold of Chrift by the 
hand of faith. Life precedes aclion. 



1794. 

Eqflon. June, I have been with my family for fome 
time paft. Daring this period have frequently felt my 
foul drawn out in ftrong cries and earned fupplications 
for the binding of Satan and for the final overthrow of 
the Turk and Pope, i. e. the beaft and falfe prophet ;*' 
for the ceffation of wars to the ends of the earth, and 
that the new heavens and the new earth might fuddenly 
and glorioufly appear. For thefe great and glorious 
events my foul has frequently been exercifed, and par* 
ticulaily in family prayer, almoft to an agony. Oh Goci ? . 
hear and anfwer for Ch rift's fake. 

I was lately called to pray, with a fick man in a neigh- 
bouring town, who appeared to be on the confines of the 
grave, his age, about 60, which he had confumed by 
intemperance, and wafted in diffipation and wickednefs* 
He appeared awfully ftupid and fenielefsas to his fituation. 
The delufive hope of future happinefs, founded on the 
belief of univerfal falvation, was probably his only hope. 
Oh, how awful ! to fee fuch a poor, blinded foul launch* 

ing into a boundlefs eternity of- • But who raaketh 

to differ ? 

I 795- 

Portfmouth, (N. H<) Ofiober 29th. Attended a church 
conference meeting, which was held as preparatoiy to 
tliQ' facrament expected, to be adminiftered the next Sab- 
bath. Between 20 and 30 members of the church were 
prefent. The meeting was opened with prayer, and the 
inoft ftriking folemnity was viftble on the countenances of 

* Who are really designated by these names, ia scripture 
prophecy, the reader will judge for himself* 



Exlr ads from Mr. Cr of well's Manufcripts. 93 

all prefent. The converfation which enfued, as it refpecled 
the moft important and interefting fubje&s, was deeply 
impreffive. The feafon was trulypleafant, animating and 
joyful. Oh, " 'twas a young heaven on earthly ground, 
and glory in the bud." Sweet and delightful were our 
feslowfhip and communion. The beaten oil of divine 
love appeared to be conveyed from veffel to veiTel. All 
around us, indeed, feemed love. Such an emblem of 
heaven, 1 have but feldom witneffed, and fuch heavenly 
influences upon my foul, I have but feldom experienced. 
Lord, increafe the number of this little and happy flock 
cf chriftians, and increafe their graces. 

November yfL Partook of the facrament with the 
church, and found it as one of the days of heaven to my 
foul. We fat, through grace, I truft, with the King at 
his table, while his banner over us was love. How joy- 
ful is the communion of faints ! 

8//;. Heard Mr. , a gentleman from England, 

preach in the evening to about a thoufand people, who- 
heard wi'ch feriouinefs and folemnity. 

9/A. Viiited a man under exceffive grief and affliction 
on account of the recent death of a beloved fon, at fea» 
In converfation with him, admonifhed him againft in- 
dulging immoderate grief and forrow, that forrow which 
worketh death. Found much freedom in prayer in the 
family, that they might make a fanctified improvement 
of all God's providential dealings with them, and par- 
ticularly the heavy affliction which had lately befallen 
them. Oh, that their forrow may be turned into joy. 

izth. Thankfgiving day. *** Glory to God for his 
great goodnefs, and particularly as manifefted the year 
paft, in giving us peace and plenty in our borders, and 
in caufing us, generally, to hear the voice of health in our 
habitations. Oh. God. may this thy goodnefs to thy peo- 
ple infpire them with gratitude, and lead them to repen- 
tance. Preached in the meeting houfe in the forenoon. 

Spent the evening in a circle of dear chriftian friends. 
I truft that the evening was. truly a ihankf giving evening. 
We enjoyed a feaft of fat things. Surely praife and r 
thankfgiving are comely for the upright. How good and< 
how pleaiant it is for brethren to dwell in love and unity ' 



94 Kxirafis from Mr. CrofwelTs Manufcripis* 



. 



1796. 

Easton. Middle of May. Returned home by a pleasant jour- 
ney from N. Hampshire,, after an absence of about 6 months. 
This has been the longest and the most agreeable journey I have 
ever + itken in above 40 years' itineration as a preacher. Have 
preached about 130 sermons in this journey, the greater part of 
them in Portsmouth. Returned home through Boston, where I 
realized many acts of kindness. Oh Lord, re ward my kind ben- 
efactors a thousand fold. Found my family well. Blessed be 
God for his abundant goodness to me and mine. Blessed be his 
holy name that we meet once more, on this side eternity, in the 
enjoyment of so much health. Oh, may the goodness of God fill 
us with unfeigned gratitude, and lead us to true and ingenuous 
repentance. Oh God, grant this to us all for Christ's sake. Amen. 

And now were it asked me, Lacked you any thing ? I can truly 
say, that 1 have lacked nothing. So subscribes 

JOSEPH CROSWELL, in the 84th year of his age, 
.N. B, Verily no. one goeth a warfare at his own charges. 



Canticles, ch. iv. ver. 7. 
Thou art all fair % my love, there is no f pot in thee* This is 
.an addrefs cf the bridegroom to the bride, or of Chrift to 
the church. Oh believers, daughters of Jerufalem ! how 
wonderful, how paffing wonder is this ! that Chrift mould 
view you as altogether fair and beautiful. You who in 
many refpecls are greatly deformed and defiled. Do you 
not view yourfelves as black with guilt, as deformed and 
loathfome by your many, many imperfections ? Do you 
not view yourfelves as unworthy of the notice, and much 
more of the love and commendation of Chrift, your fpirit- 
ual hufband, whom you have fo often abufed and put to 
openfhame ? Do you not bluih to hear him fpeak of you 
as fair ! as fpotlefsiy fair i Are you not ftruck with won- 
der and unutterable furprife at this ? But oh, let not; 
your hearts become vain by fuch an encomium. Remem- 
ber that you are thus " complete" only in Chrijl. By 
your justification you are indeed complete in him. You are. 
covered, as it were, by the fpotlefs and fuperlatively 
beautiful robe of his righteoufnefs. As to your fanclifi* 
cation or inherent holinefs, remember, that although this 
is fair and without fpot, yet this is far from being com- 
plete in you in. fuch a fenfe as to free you from all blem- 
ifli. Far, very far is this, from being the cafe. You are 
indeed peffeffed of the inward adorning of holinefs- But 



Ext rafts from Mr. Crofwe/Ps Mahufcrtpts. 95 

how often and how much is the inner man of your fouls 
like a cage of unclean birds ! You are to confider 
Chrift, then, as fpeaking of you as altogether fair and 
without fpot, with reference only to your ianctified na- 
ture, or holy exerciles ; or elfe, in regard to God's gra- 
cious acceptance of you through the ali complete right- 
eoufnefs of his Son ; in which refpect he may be faid not 
to behold iniquity in you. 

Oh daughters of Zion ! how kind is the fpeech of 
your heavenly bridegroom. How difpofed to pafs over 
all your blemilhes and to contemplate nothing but thy 
moral beauties ! Oh let this excite your gratitude, in- 
flame your love, and roufe in you a holy ambition and 
defire to appear as the King's daughter, all glorious with- 
in ; and as a bride adorned for her hufhand ; that you 
may finally be prefented before his prefence without fpot 
and blamelefs, with exceeding joy. 

Ver. 8. " Come with me from Lebanon, my fpoufe.; 
with me from Lebanon. Look from the top of Amana, 
from the top of Shenir and Hermon ; from the lions' 
dens, from the mountains of the leopards.*' 

Come with me from Lebanon. This was a celebrated 
mountain in the land of Canaan, which is fometimes 
mentioned in fcripture as a pleafant and delightful place, 
on account of its fair and goodly cedars ; and ibmetimes 
as a. barren wildernefs and the feat of wild and ravenous 
beafts. Viewing it in the former fenfe, we may confider 
Chrirl as thus ad dr effing his fpoufe or church, " Oh, my 
beloved fpoufe, come unto me and follow me whither I 
ilia.ll lead you, even where you will find fatisfying pleas- 
ures and joys well refined ; fuch as the world neither 
knows, Cdn give, nor take away. Let not the towering 
cedars of Lebanon attract your admiring gaze, nor en- 
grofi your attention. Leave all your Lebanon delights. 
Hold, in low eiteem, all that the wo: Id calls good and 
great. Difengage your affections from earth and raife 
them to heaven. With me from Lebanon. Note— The 
invitation or call is repeated, to make it more emphati- 
cal, perfuafive and effective ; and to (hew that the godly, 
the real friends of Chrift are fo much attached to worldly 
pleafires and enjoyments, as to be perfuaded, with difficul- 
ty, to renounce them, in any good degree, as they ought to 
do. Alas ! with how much reluctance do they oftentimes 




§6 Extracts from Mr. CrofwtlVs Manufcripts. 



defcend from the lofty heights and towering expectations 
of Lebanon honours and delights, into the valley of hu- 
miliation, to follow the lowly Jefus ! But if we view 
Lebanon as a barren wildernefs and a haunt of ferocious 
beads, we may confider it as inviting or calling to his 
fpoufe, with great earneftnefs, to flee from her fpiritual 
enemies in general, which, like beads of prey, were ready 
to devour her ; to flee to him, as to an ark offafety. 

Look from the top of Amana^ from the top of Shenir and 
Herman. Thefe were mountains of Judea, which could 
not be paffed to, from Lebanon, without defcending in- 
to intervale, or low grounds. Note — Chriftians muft 
defcend from the mountain of pride into the vale of hu- 
mility, before they can afcend the hill of faith and joy. 
None but fuch as humble themfelves fliall be exalted. 
To thefe hills, the fpoufe is importunately invited, that 
from their tops VaQ might, like Banyan's pilgrims on the 
delectable mountains, behold the celeftial city, through 
the fpy-glafs of faith, that, from the glorious fight, ihe 
might be induced to quicken her pace, and prefs forward 
for the glorious prize. From the lions 7 dens /from ihe moun- 
tains of leopards. This circumftance is added as a greater 
incitement to the fpoufe, to batten after Chrift, her fpirit- 
ual hufband, as from a place of imminent danger. Note. 
The goodlieft mounts are but as dens of fierce lions and 
favage leopards when compared to mount Zion, the Zi- 
on which is above. And what is much of the fociety of 
Chrift's fpoufe in this world but beads of prey when com- 
pared to the fociety which me will enjoy in the p.aradife 
of God? The church of Chrift, and indeed every mem- 
ber of it, is, while on earth, in a militant and wilder- 
nefs ftatc, furrounded with dangerous temptations, with 
numerous and formidable enemies, with countleis evils 
and grievous trials. Oh fpoufe of Chrift, up, up to the 
mountain's top ; behold the heavenly Canaan, the new 
Jerufalem, the city of the living God, and ftretch, oh 
ftretch the pinions of your faith and love to that bleffed 
and glorious abode ! 

„ THE END. 



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